A development application lodged with ACT Planning and Land Authority outlines plans for $5 million in additional works, including new buildings, a car park and a bus bay, scheduled to start mid-this year if funding is available.

Meanwhile, the athletics track, oval, floodlights and athletics facilities are under construction and do not require development approval.

A portion of these upgrades is expected to be completed by the third quarter of this year.

The multi-million dollar overhaul involves a range of works including competition-grade synthetic athletics track; an irrigation system and drought-tolerant couch grass; an infield suitable for premier league football; match play floodlights; new athletics facilities including jumping pits and throwing cages; a new security perimeter fence; a new storage shed; an events processing room and office and amenities buildings; a new car park and garbage enclosure; and an indented bus bay.

Sports and Recreation Services acting director David Jeffrey said Woden Park would be upgraded to meet International Association of Athletics Federation standards to ensure the facility could accommodate a range of current and future event opportunities, including potential international events.

He said it was unlikely enough funding would be available to cover the start of construction of all design facets this year.

“This will be the first dedicated synthetic athletic facility in the ACT," he said, noting that local stakeholders have struggled to get sufficient access to the AIS synthetic track facility in Bruce.

“The feasibility report details that the construction of an International Association of Athletics Federation-compliant facility on a Greenfield site could cost $25 million to $40 million."

Sports and Recreation Services commissioned the Southside Synthetic Athletics Track Feasibility Report in mid-2012.

The report was finalised in October, 2012 and recommended Woden Park as the best existing option for a dedicated synthetic athletics track in the ACT.

Mr Jeffreys said it would remain the home ground for Woden Little Athletics Club, currently relocated to Boomanulla Oval, while supporting numerous sporting competitions for people of all ages and abilities.

“A range of other athletic events and training activities will now be possible, including school competitions,” he said.

“The facility will continue to support Capital Football Premier League matches, with the possibility that some fixtures could be played at night with the addition of matchplay-standard lighting.”

The relocation of the Woden bus layover to south of Phillip Oval, on Kitchener Street, had also been accommodated in redevelopment plans.

“This will enable easier access to the park for school buses bringing children to the facilities for sporting events,” Mr Jeffreys said.

“At this time, funding has not been allocated for the construction of the bus bay, however there is already an existing bus stop in this location.”