The Project
Home of South Australian tennis since 1921, Memorial Drive Tennis Centre is an iconic landmark located within the historic Adelaide Oval precinct. The centre underwent a major transformation across two stages to create world-class, all-weather facilities that meet international standards and put Adelaide back on the global tennis map.
Stage One, completed ahead of the 2020 Adelaide International tournament, featured the removal of the existing roof structures over the north and south grandstands and the design and construction of a single-span lightweight 6000m², 80m clear span fabric roof across the existing stands and centre courts. Stage Two included the construction of new northern and eastern grandstands, linked by a level one concourse that features enhanced patron facilities, further enhancing the venue’s capacity and appeal. Stage Two also introduced a 1300m², 43m span fabric roof supported by a steel diagrid over the sunken show court.
Technical Solutions
WGA provided structural, civil, and geotechnical engineering services across both stages of the redevelopment. For Stage One, our team delivered heavy-lift demolition engineering to safely remove one of the grandstand roofs in a single dual-crane lift in order to retain the grandstand below. We then designed the new clear-span woven fibreglass membrane roof, creating a column-free space that met strict aesthetic and functional requirements.
For Stage Two, we designed a diagrid roof over the sunken show court supported by feature “tree” columns in each corner. The dome-shaped design optimised structural efficiency while allowing light to filter through, blending seamlessly with the surrounding architecture. Sustainability was a key focus, with minimal demolition to reduce waste and a steel structure designed for a 50-year service life and full recyclability.
Client Focus
Delivered under a fast-track program, both stages were completed on time and within budget, with exceptional collaboration between all stakeholders. The redevelopment created an elegant architectural statement that balances aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. Memorial Drive Tennis Centre now offers a premier all-weather venue for players and spectators, reinforcing Adelaide’s position on the international tennis circuit.
The project has been widely recognised, with Stage Two winning the 2022 National ASI Steel Excellence Award and Stage One winning the SA State Winner for Engineering Projects and Buildings (Small Projects).
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