First look at Concord Oval revamp

DEMAND for new inner west sporting facilities, driven by the region’s rapidly growing population, is set to see Concord Oval undergo a $30 million transformation.

A concept plan of the redeveloped oval.

DEMAND for new inner west sporting facilities, driven by the region’s rapidly growing population, is set to see Concord Oval undergo a $30 million transformation.

The Courier can today share a first look at the proposed Parramatta Rd oval redevelopment under plans by Canada Bay Council to bring the outdated facility into the 21st century.

Described by the council as its most ambitious infrastructure project ever undertaken, the upgrade will include a new indoor recreation centre, open spaces, rooms for community groups, match facilities and a new high-performance centre for the Wests Tigers.

City of Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Tsirekas, State Planing Minister Anthony Roberts, Drummoyne State Liberal MP John Sidoti and Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe at Concord Oval. Photo: Danny Aarons.

Mayor Angelo Tsirekas said the precinct would be designed to service both elite sporting players and local community groups including the West Harbour Rugby and Inter Lions Soccer clubs.

“In our area we house some of Sydney’s best recreational facilities but the demand from our growing active community means our fields and facilities are often at capacity,” he said.

“(This development) will mean our residents will have some of Sydney’s finest world class sporting, recreation and community facilities at their doorstep.”

An artist's impression of the redesigned Concord Oval.

The oval has not been upgraded since 1985, and while still popular among local sporting clubs, capacity constraints have forced many larger groups to relocate to venues at Olympic Park, Moore Park and Parramatta.

Wests Tigers has campaigned for the upgrade since 2015 and welcomed the plan. The club’s chief executive Justin Pascoe said the project would ensure the club can train at a state-of-the art facility in the heart of the inner west.

It is funded by the State Government to meet long-term population targets in the Parramatta Road Urban Transformation Plan including 10,600 homes in the Burwood, Concord and Kings Bay precincts.

Planning Minister Anthony Roberts said the project was part of $198 million in funding to improve “liveability” along the road corridor.

“Australians love the outdoors and it’s so important that as our cities and suburbs grow, we still have access to high quality open spaces,” Mr Roberts said.

The plans will be available for community consultation in coming weeks.