Henson Park Redevelopment gets Green Light

Image: The Hon Stuart Ayres MP is joined by (L-R) Naomi Mason (Newtown Breakaways), Tiffany Robertson (AFL NSW/ACT), Sarah Ford (Sydney Swans) and Newtown Jets representatives

 

One of Sydney’s most iconic ovals, Henson Park, is set to receive a major upgrade thanks in part to a NSW Government grant announced on the weekend.

AFL NSW/ACT has secured $5 million to improve the marvel in Marrickville as part of the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund 2021-22 to:

• – Refurbish the grandstand
• – Upgrade existing changerooms to provide female friends amenities
• – Construct additional changerooms and a multi-use clubroom.
• – Construct a new multi-purpose building to support match day operations, broadcast and media to ensure the venue is capable of hosting elite women’s sport and provide a heightened spectator experience.

It is an exciting development for football in Sydney, with the announcement coming just months out from AFLW season 7 – the first which contains all 18 AFL clubs, including the Sydney Swans.

The works will preserve the grandstand’s heritage and there will be no change of use for the community, with everyone welcome to enjoy Henson Park as they do now.

Tiffany Robertson, Head of AFL NSW/ACT, thanked the NSW Government’s contribution and said the AFL would benefit greatly from Henson Park’s redevelopment.

“Henson Park is one of Sydney’s premier suburban grounds and thanks to the NSW Government’s contribution, its facilities will be inclusive for female competition, Newtown Jets and broader community to enjoy.

“Australian rules has been played at Henson Park since the 1940s and we are excited to be part of its preservation and upgrade, ensuring players at the elite and community level can enjoy the iconic oval and its facilities for years to come.”

Minister for Tourism and Sport, Stuart Ayres MP, said the Fund would keep communities across NSW heathy, active and connected.

“The redevelopment of Henson Park is just one example of the NSW’s government’s commitment to providing inclusive and modern sports infrastructure. This project will deliver new AFLW standard changerooms, inclusive amenities and broadcast facilities to ensure the venue is capable of hosting elite women’s sport and provide a heightened spectator experience.”

The NSW Government’s $5 million is on top of the $500,000 provided by the Inner West Council, $2.5 million from the AFL, and a $2.5 million election commitment from Anthony Albanese’s Federal government.

 

Greenway Park Sports Hub

Another successful Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund recipient that will positively affect footy in Sydney was the Hornsby Shire Council’s Greenway Park Sports Hub.

The $1.37 million grant will help the Pennant Hills Demons and Westbrook Bulldogs complete its Hub, which includes universal changerooms, canteen, umpire/first aid room, storage and multifunction recreation area.

Shade tree planting will also be provided.

Greenway Park was awarded the Ken Gannon Award for NSW/ACT’s Metro Project of the Year in 2021.

 

Gipps Street New Sports Fields

Penrith City Council also claimed $5 million as part of the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund.

The Gipps Street New Sports Fields will deliver multiple new sporting fields and improved infrastructure.

There will be a larger footprint than the existing precinct with improved storage and amenities including a universally designed officials’ change area, accessible male and female facilities, new canteen with storage, accessible pathways, tree planting and landscaping.

Further details on the Gipps Street Precinct here.

 

See a full list of first-round winners in the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund here.