St George Illawarra Dragons reveal plans for $50m centre of excellence

The Dragons have unveiled plans for a stunning $50 million centre of excellence which will “foster the next generation of talent” in the Illawarra and South Coast region.

The Dragons have submitted the development application for its new Community and High Performance Centre (CHPC) this week. Picture: Supplied

St George Illawarra’s $50 million state-of-the-art training facility is one step closer to becoming a reality with the development application lodged with Wollongong Council this week.

Dubbed the ‘Community High Performance Centre’, the facility will stand alongside the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus and is set to be completed in time for the 2025 NRL season.

The DA indicated the CHPC will feature two full-size training fields, men‘s and women’s changing rooms, a gym, aquatic recovery centre, spa, physiotherapy facilities and lecture theatre.

The hub will also see the Illawarra become the home of the Dragons with the administration staff, who are predominantly based in Sydney, moving to the CHPC.

“This announcement is another step in the right direction,” the joint-venture‘s new chairman Andrew Lancaster said.

“It‘s about building a better Dragons and having all of our staff in one location.

“The divide of having our administration staff up in Kogarah and our football operations in Wollongong will no longer be there, which is great.”

The facility will feature two full-size fields. Picture: Supplied

Mr Lancaster said the “world-class facility” in Wollongong was an investment in both the Dragons and rugby league, and would allow the club to “compete at the highest level”.

A majority of the money – $40 million – is being poured in by the NSW Government, similar to a recent $60m investment in a similar centre of excellence for the Wests Tigers.

“This facility will be a fantastic community asset, bridging the gap between elite sport and the girls and boys who love getting together for a kick around, swim or gym session,” NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said.

The club’s administration staff will be based at the facility. Picture: Supplied

The CHPC is expected to be ready for the 2025 NRL season. Picture: Supplied

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the project is expected to create 229 new jobs during construction and support more than 60 new full-time jobs once operational.

“The Illawarra is a traditional rugby league stronghold, and this new facility will foster the next generation of talent from across the region,” Mr Henskens said.

“Opportunities for those attending University of Wollongong will be extensive, with student access to the CHPC expected to reach 30-45 hours per week in the name of improved education, research, data sharing and partnership outcomes.”

The DA is on exhibition until January 30, 2023, with construction slated to commence in the second half of next year.