Port Adelaide Football Club, PAFC Allan Scott Headquarters Upgrade

Proposing alternative cladding materials

The upgrade is characterised by a high quality of architectural finishes; however, the original internal claddings in the gym were not an ideal fit with the building’s structural elements, and the additional framing required would have significant cost impacts.

Sarah’s team conducted a value management exercise in collaboration with the architects to propose alternative materials that would maintain the architectural and functional intent, and meld with the structural design and the insulation requirements.

Redesigning key amenities

The development features inground spa bath pools, integral for player conditioning and health.

The 1.5m deep baths were required to fit within the structural confines of the existing building’s piers, footings and services, and exploratory works revealed that their initial locations were not feasible.

Sarah’s team worked with the architects to propose alternative locations, which involved redesigning the broader area, an exercise that took three months.

To avoid impacts to the overall schedule, Sarah reprogrammed other works around ensuring the baths could be delivered and installed retrospectively.

Latent conditions

When site investigations identified significant volumes (in excess of 5,000m³) of contaminated soil on site and beneath spectator mounds constructed in the 1950s, Sarah’s team assisted the club to review all mitigation options.

After determining that removal from site could cost more than $2.5 million, Sarah proposed a series of containment cells at a much lower cost (less than $600,000).

Sarah worked closely with the EPA and environmental consultants to and completely eradicate contaminated fill from across the site, which will assist the Club with future developments.

Good neighbours

Alberton Oval is bordered by residential homes and a small park containing a significant war memorial.

Sarah’s team understood the importance of being good neighbours, and worked with two councils to determine travel routes for deliveries and heavy machinery that would cause the least disruption.

Traffic management was used during peak construction periods, and dilapidation surveys were conducted on homes and the memorial.

Sarah’s team also used construction methodologies and plant better suited to works near residents including rollers selected to minimise vibration.

Working collaboratively with other contractors

At the same time as Sarah’s works, the Club engaged another contractor to install new lighting towers around the oval including in front of the Allan Scott Headquarters.

Understanding the criticality of the lighting installation, Sarah’s team worked collaboratively with the contractor to coordinate service shutdowns and facilitate safe access into Sarah’s worksite.

Although these activities required Sarah to delay its own works including the car park which when completed would not have a load rating to facilitate the lighting tower erection, the team reprogrammed construction on other work fronts to make up time.

Sarah’s flexible and innovation response to this challenge is an example of a best for project approach that characterises our delivery.

Managing environmental outcomes

Alberton Oval is located only four metres above sea level, and Sarah’s team anticipated groundwater when excavating the containment cells for the contaminated soil.

The team worked with consultants to obtain soil reports, ensuring that excavation occurred within the allowable limits.

While 27 trees were removed for the Club’s new soccer pitch, Sarah’s team planted more than double the original vegetation removed, and permeable paving was installed, allowing rainwater to be reticulated into the landscaping.

Leveraging previous Port Adelaide experience

The Allan Scott Headquarters project continues Sarah’s successful construction partnership with the Club following an upgrade to the heritage Fos Williams Family Stand in 2021.

Sarah strategically staffed this project with personnel who understood the Club’s culture, drivers, and project objectives and constraints, as well as personnel with extensive sport’s facility experience including turfed soccer pitches.

The Club’s trust in Sarah was evidenced when they approved an additional $1 million in variations to the scope, including a new running track.

“This team was put together with the job in mind. Our staff were handpicked for their performance on the Fos Williams Stand project, and a best-for-Club approach to problem solving.”

Daniel Leopardi, Site Supervisor/Project Manager, Sarah Constructions

Driven by program

Meeting the program was an important driver for the Club, as works meant the temporary relocation of more than 100 personnel to other areas of the facility.

Sarah’s team understood the criticality of completing the works between the end of season and commencement of pre-season training and returning personnel to an optimal environment as quickly as possible.

Bringing football to life on the big screens

After award, the Club upgraded the size of the facility’s screens to Adelaide Oval specification superscreens, to enhance the experience for fans and players.

Sarah’s team had not previously installed screens of this scale or specification, and worked collaboratively with the suppliers and the Club to adapt the design of the building to incorporate gantry access and additional structural supports and sought the appropriate planning approval on the Club’s behalf.

The new screens are now in line with AFL broadcasting requirements and have significantly enhanced the Club’s stature.