STEPHANIE THOMPSON
THE Loxton Football Club could have new clubrooms and its existing building demolished – if members agree to the move next month.
After years of talks, Loxton Football Club members will tour the $1.5 million mezzanine facility within The Precinct Loxton before deciding if they wish to relocate to the new premises.
Last month, Loxton Waikerie council engaged management company Belgravia Leisure to oversee The Precinct Loxton at a cost of $4000 per month.
Club president Les Lange said discussions include usage costs of the facility, canteen, kitchen and bar management and licenses, and memorabilia displays.
“I am very happy with negotiations between Belgravia and council,” he said. “If anything, council has bent over backwards for the Loxton Football Club.
“Everything we have taken to them and requested, they have accepted.”
Mr Lange said financially, the club would be “better off” by moving to The Precinct.
“We are not going to have certain expenses we are incurring by owning our own premises,” he said.
“15 years ago we also had the volunteers and now they’re not there.
“Our current football club rooms are probably one of the best there has been for size, but it is old and the roof needs repair.”
If members chose to move their clubrooms to The Precinct, Mr Lange said the location of the existing Loxton Sports Club could be demolished and transformed into a viewing area.
Talks about the area have included a grassed mound between the oval and netball courts, featuring a playground, small storage shed and barbecue.
“It will be sad to see the clubrooms go; of course it is going to be sad,” Mr Lange said.
“But, I also picture a nice green grass area with a nice shed on it, overlooking the outside courts and oval. How magnificent that will be?”
Mr Lange said despite some initial negative feelings, many members were excited about the prospect of new clubrooms.
“I believe a sporting club’s identity isn’t a sporting club, it’s the emblem they wear on their shirts and their guernseys,” he said.
“The council has copped a fair bit of flack over this and I think it is very unfair.
“How many councils have spent that sort of money for their sport?
“Loxton Waikerie council has done this for their sporting people. They haven’t done it
for themselves.”
Council CEO David Beaton said both parties were working through different options.
“Depending on how and when they want to use it will depend on what the costs are,” he said.
“It’s about both groups being comfortable with what can be done.”
Mr Beaton said he was confident football club members would feel positive about the relocation once they toured the finished mezzanine facility – due to be completed this week.
“I think it’s probably superior to the rest of the league and lots of South Australia,” he said.
“There’s plenty of good will between the football club and the council to try and make it work.”
Despite being upstairs, Mr Beaton said the mezzanine area is disability friendly, with a lift for access.