BRIDGESTONE ATHLETICS CENTRE

The former Bridgestone tyre factory at Salisbury is being developed into a world-class sporting facility named the Bridgestone Athletics Centre.

The expansive area (6.8h) has been donated to the City of Salisbury, and with financial contributions from Bridgestone, the Council and the SA Government a range of initiatives have been included in the construction and operation of the facility to reduce the environmental impact of the $5.3 million construction and to ensure sustainability and accessibility.

The dramatic blue running track has been built using 50 tonnes of recycled rubber in the sub-surface strata. This is part of Bridgestone’s end-of-life tyre management program in a circular economy.

To make the venue accessible in all seasons, the Council has invested in the latest LED venue lighting systems. The technology not only uses less energy than conventional oval lighting, it features customisable programs depending on the requirements of the user to ensure only the needed lights are turned on thus providing further energy savings and reducing carbon emissions. Other features of sustainability include water harvesting and solar panels.

The centre will be home to at least three sports clubs where the focus on sustainability and accessibility is continued in the club building and changerooms and the spectator areas. The entire facility is wheelchair accessible, with particular consideration in changerooms and showers for people with reduced mobility. Even the changeroom flooring uses recycled rubber material. Adding to this, the site is well serviced by public transport with a train station right on the doorstep.

The new Bridgestone Athletics Centre will provide a key training ground for athletes of all levels and be used by at least three northern suburbs athletics clubs including Northern Districts Athletics Club, Salisbury Little Athletics and Ingle Farm Little Athletics Centre. In addition, regional and state associations, including northern school students will have access to a world class facility in the north.

The official opening is on the 28th of March. ED