New Adelaide Circuit unveiled

The Adelaide Street Circuit that first brought Formula 1 to Australia will once again come to life for global motorsport, with the reveal of the new Adelaide Circuit set to deliver the first ever MotoGP™ city street race in 2027.

 

 

The 4.13-kilometre, 15-corner street circuit brings back elements of the iconic Grand Prix track of the 1980s and 90s including Stag Corner, Rundle Road, Brewery Bend and Dequetteville Terrace. The new design takes racing to a new level with fast, sweeping lines designed to cater for multi-class racing categories into the future.

 

The proposed $96 million circuit will host the world’s first MotoGP event to be held on a city street circuit – the MotoGP™ Grand Prix of Australia Adelaide 2027 which is anticipated to be held ahead of the bp Adelaide Grand Final in November next year.

 

Modelling indicates MotoGP bikes will hit speeds of 340 km/h-plus along Dequetteville Terrace, with Supercars topping 275 km/h.

 

The city street race in a Park Lands setting against the backdrop of the Adelaide CBD will showcase our city and state to a global audience of more than 630 million people.

 

The MotoGP and Supercars events are anticipated to create a combined annual economic return of more than $200 million per year.

 

In addition to the MotoGP™ Grand Prix of Australia Adelaide 2027 and the bp Adelaide Grand Final, the Adelaide Circuit will also deliver the return of the Santos Tour Down Under Classic from 2028, where some of the world’s best cyclists will race around the Adelaide circuit in a high-stakes sprint in front of tens of thousands of fans.

 

The Adelaide Circuit Redevelopment Project will also deliver significant enhancements to key arts and community events in the Adelaide Park Lands, including new service infrastructure to support Adelaide Fringe venues at Gluttony and the Garden of Unearthly Delights.

 

The project will also feature construction of a purpose-designed water jump in Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi for the renowned Adelaide Equestrian Festival – the only 5-star International Horse Trials held in the Southern Hemisphere.

 

Beyond these benefits, the Government has worked collaboratively with the Conservation Council SA on a significant $15 million Adelaide Park Lands Nature Positive Package to ensure a greener, cooler, wilder Park Lands, which in the view of the Conservation Council, will ensure the project delivers a nature positive outcome.

 

The proposed circuit design has been informed by detailed collaboration between the South Australian Motor Sport Board, Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, Motorcycling Australia, MotoGP and Supercars Australia to ensure safe and exciting racing across all formats. Specialist input has been provided by former 125cc and 250cc World Champion and current MotoGP Safety Advisor Loris Capirossi and five-time Supercars champion Mark Skaife. The circuit will be modified between events to help deliver the close, intense racing that Supercars is known for.

 

The proposed design minimises impacts on the Adelaide Park Lands by prioritising the protection of significant trees wherever possible, utilising sections of the existing road circuit and relocation of temporary pit building facilities closer to Fullarton Road, enabling much of the existing concrete hardstand in the centre of Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi to be returned to green space.

 

With the current temporary pit building facility approaching end of life, the South Australian Government will tender for a replacement temporary structure to accommodate future Adelaide Grand Final and MotoGP events. This new facility presents an opportunity to reduce construction and dismantling timeframes by up to a third.

 

The new circuit design includes modifications from the reference design released in February. These changes preserve an avenue of significant gum trees along Wakefield Road and saves the Glover Playspace on the corner of East Terrace and Wakefield Street.

 

The change reduces road closures affecting nearby residents and businesses on East Terrace and enables Wakefield Road to be promptly opened to traffic between events.

 

Subject to public consultation and approval by the City of Adelaide, the project will deliver enhanced sport, fitness and play spaces including:

• An upgraded soccer field with lighting in front of the heritage grandstand.
• All other sport ovals in Victoria Park will be reinstated and there will be no change to the playing fields in King Rodney Park/Ityamai-itpina (Park 15).
• A new 1.2 km unobstructed cycling loop – providing a dedicated space for cycling races, training and Pedal Prix. Importantly the existing conflict points with shared use paths have also been addressed.
• An enhanced east-west Shared Use Path connecting the Burnside bikeway via the Grant Avenue signalised intersection with Halifax Street.
• A new east-west Shared Use Path parallel to Wakefield Road. This new path was proposed by the City of Adelaide in their masterplan but not delivered. This path is also decoupled from the cycling criterium loop to ensure a safe separation for both users.
• A new pedestrian and cyclist refuge on Wakefield Road, addressing a missing link in the network and creating a better connection to the Park Lands Trail.
• A new 5km running loop through the eastern Park Adelaide Lands and a 2km loop through Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi.
• New courts and playspace, potentially including a bike track, skate park, pickleball courts and basketball courts using the new hardstand area near Fullarton Road outside of major events.
• New accessible toilet facilities near Fullarton Road, replacing the old toilet block in the centre of Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi.
• Gravel run-off areas used for event safety will also be returned to new grassed community spaces outside event periods. Community feedback will help shape any further potential enhancements in these areas.

The circuit will double as a new walking, running and cycling connection between Wakefield Road and Bartels Road through the Park Lands with a new pedestrian/cycling refuge on Bartels Road.

 

There are currently 8,895 trees in the circuit precinct, 95 per cent of which will remain untouched by the project.

 

In total, the project is expected to require removal of 377 trees, the majority of which are either unregulated, invasive species, dead or in poor health. 42 of the trees to be removed are significant. A further 88 trees will be transplanted to nearby locations within the park in accordance with arborists’ advice. An additional 22 trees require further detailed below ground investigation to confirm they can be retained.

 

The South Australian Government is committed to replacing every removed tree on a 10:1 basis, meaning a net increase of at least 3,393 trees in the Adelaide Park Lands. All replacement trees will be mature stock, ranging from 45 litres to 200 litres. There will also be 123,000 new understorey plantings.

 

The circuit will impact part of a protected grassland in Victoria Park established in 2011. The affected grassland area will be fully replaced and expanded by a further 180m². This means there will be more native grassland habitat overall. We are also exploring opportunities to transplant native grasses into the new area.

 

The $15 million Adelaide Park Lands Nature Positive Package will be delivered in addition to these measures, and includes:

• Increasing tree canopy cover and habitat in the Park Lands – through the planting of trees and understorey.
• Rare plants and biodiversity improvement – Increasing the diversity and genetic resilience of native plant species, including rare species, within the Park Lands.
• Partnering with Trees for Life to deliver native plants to achieve stronger biodiversity outcomes.
• Butterfly habitat restoration – targeted activities for the Satin Azure Butterfly, the Golden-haired Sedge Skipper and the Chequered Copper Butterfly.
• Support for the grey-headed flying fox – upgrades cooling infrastructure and regenerates habitat for the colony.
• River Torrens revitalisation – re-establishing native aquatic plants at priority sites and revegetating riverbank to stabilise soils and improve biodiversity and amenity. New water infrastructure will support the reintroduction of native species including, but not limited to, Platypus.
• Stormwater infrastructure – to reduce excess nutrients, pollution and sediment entering the River Torrens.
• Boosting funding for the Grassroot Grants Program to support community groups to deliver urban greening and biodiversity improvement.
• Seed Conservation Centre restoration – to provide improved plant conservation outcomes.

The Adelaide Circuit Redevelopment project is being delivered in accordance with relevant environmental and heritage legislation including the referral process under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

 

A team of experts has assessed the project in accordance with the EPBC Act and Significant Impact Guidelines. The assessment found the project is unlikely to have a significant impact on Matters of National Environmental Significance.

 

However, to minimise the risk of legal cost and delay, a referral will be submitted to the Federal Minister for the Environment and Water to determine whether further assessment or approval is required.

 

South Australians can now provide their feedback on the proposed circuit design, community space enhancements, and proposed tree and vegetation planting focus areas within the Adelaide Park Lands.

 

The consultation process is commencing from today and remaining open until Sunday, 20 September 2026. Feedback received will be used to help finalise the detailed design.

 

People can visit the Adelaide Circuit Redevelopment Project website to learn more about the proposed design and provide feedback.

 

Construction of the circuit is scheduled to commence December 2026.

 

Premier Peter Malinauskas said for more than 40 years, the Adelaide street circuit has generated some of the most famous images in motor sport: “Mansell’s exploding tyre. Senna and Prost on the podium after Senna’s last F1 victory. Craig Lowndes winning from last on the grid. Jason Bright’s spectacular Turn 1 rollover.”

 

“In its new era, we will deliver something truly world class – blending speed, safety and spectacular racing for both MotoGP and Supercars that will bring tens of thousands of visitors to our city and state, and project South Australia to a global audience of more than 630 million people.”

 

“More than that – this project will deliver significant other achievements, starting with bringing back the Tour Down Under into the city.”

 

“Whether you’re walking or cycling to work, playing community sport, or attending a Fringe Show at Gluttony or the Garden, this project will deliver tangible benefits.”

 

“We have worked in close collaboration with the Conservation Council to ensure this project delivers the best possible outcome for all South Australians who do, or who want to use our magnificent Park Lands.”

 

“In the Conservation Council’s own opinion, this project will deliver a nature positive outcome with benefits for both habitat and biodiversity.”

 

The Deputy CEO of MotoGP Group Carlos Ezpeleta added; “We have spent many months working closely with the FIM and our colleagues in Adelaide to design a MotoGP circuit that is both exciting and, most importantly, safe.”

 

“We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved and confident it will deliver a totally new and exciting experience for our riders, teams and fans.”

 

“From day one, we've worked closely with local stakeholders to ensure the circuit delivers positive outcomes for the community and the environment, as well as world-class racing.”

 

“We understand a project of this scale will create some disruption, but our goal is for the people of Adelaide to feel proud to host MotoGP and genuinely connected to the event.”

 

Five-time Supercars champion Mark Skaife said the Adelaide street circuit is simply legendary.

 

“I’m fortunate to say that I raced – and won – around both the original Grand Prix circuit and the current Supercars layout. It’s a hard, fast, combative place with no room for error that requires maximum commitment,” he said.

 

“The new circuit design takes things to another level. It will be super-quick with lots of overtaking opportunities and, in Supercars configuration, the kerbs will be punishing and the walls will be inches away. The new Senna Chicane will be unforgiving, Brewery Bend will be epic and the new start-finish section in Victoria Park adds more noise and colour to what is already the best event on the calendar.”

 

“Everything we’re doing in what is an incredibly detailed design process is about delivering a great Supercars track for the next generation of racers. It will be huge.”

 

Tour Down Under Race Director Stuart O’Grady added; “Over the past 20 years the Classic evolved into a really important part of the Santos Tour Down Under, bringing tens of thousands of fans together in the CBD and signalling that the new cycling season was under way.”

 

“It’s been obvious from feedback from our spectators and fans that the Classic is a much-loved part of our event and I know this announcement will be warmly received.”

 

“It will be fantastic to showcase international cycling on a new purpose-built circuit amid the backdrop of our magnificent city.”

 

“The TDU was born back in 1999 out of the departure of the Formula One Grand Prix, so it’s exciting to have cycling on the track that will now also be used for the Australian MotoGP.”

 

“I have some history of my own with part of this circuit, racing an exhibition race here before the F1s many years ago, so bringing a bike race back on these roads brings back fond memories for me and I’m looking forward to sharing that with everyone in 2028.”

 

Australian Hotels Association (SA) Chief Executive Officer Anna Moeller said the economic benefit that major events bring to this state is proven.

 

“Building a broader city participation model with the layering of other festivities means that this economic benefit is not limited to the event itself.”

 

“Participation on different levels with multiple activations creates an immersive experience beyond the race.”

 

“The city will become a vibrant hub encouraging visitors to stay longer and spend more, and will provide locals with a lively, energetic atmosphere.”

 

“This magnifies the boost to not just our pubs and accommodation hotels, but also other small businesses such as shops and cafes.”

 

The Stag co-owner Oliver Brown added; “To have Stag Corner reborn and our city beamed to hundreds of millions across the world will be incredible for Adelaide and South Australia.”

 

“To have these major events will also be amazing for the whole hospitality industry. Fans will be crowding our balcony and packing out the restaurants, cafes and bars up and down Rundle Street and into the CBD.”

 

“It’s going to be awesome.”

 

Gluttony co-director Daniel Michael said; “As an Adelaide-based organisation, we are very proud to bring the biggest venue hub at the southern hemisphere’s biggest arts festival every year.”

 

“To run all our venues with air conditioning and our other infrastructure requires significant investment. This project includes power upgrades and other services that will make this much easier for us.”

 

The Garden of Unearthly Delights co-director Michelle Buxton added; “The Garden of Unearthly Delights welcomes the Government’s commitment to investing in much needed event infrastructure for Rundle Park. The provision of these services will ensure the safer, more efficient and sustainable operation of our event each year.”

 

“We look forward to working with the SA Government and the SA Motor Sport Board throughout this process to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders and our audiences.”

 

Adelaide Equestrian Festival Deputy Chair Karlene Maywald said the Adelaide Equestrian Festival is an iconic, world-class international event that has been successfully staged in the Adelaide Park Lands for more than 25 years.

 

“It is one of only six five-star events of its kind worldwide and the only one staged in the heart of a city. This year, a record 40,000 people attended the Festival, with well over one million people around the world also engaging with the event online, and via our broadcast partners.”

 

“As planning progresses for April 2027, we are working collaboratively with the South Australian Government and the South Australian Motor Sport Board to manage the changes within Victoria Park and ensure the Festival continues to be delivered to the highest international standard.”

 

“As part of this broader planning, we are also progressing our long-term vision for a second water jump within Victoria Park - an important legacy asset for the Festival that will enhance both the competitor and spectator experience.”

 

“Our team looks forward to continuing to work constructively with the State Government and SA Motor Sport Board to ensure the Adelaide Equestrian Festival continues to thrive as a showcase South Australian major event.”