Wests Tigers: Concord Oval $51 million redevelopment approved
The spiritual home of rugby in Sydney is set for a major multimillion-dollar redevelopment. Once completed Wests Tigers will also base themselves out of the world-class facility. SEE THE DESIGNS HERE.
Inner West
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The mega redevelopment of the historic Concord Oval in Sydney’s inner west will push ahead in the new year after getting the final tick of approval.
The $51 million proposal will soon come to fruition and breathe new life into the stadium on Gipps St, with construction set to start on the Wests Tigers high performance centre billed as the jewel in the crown of the mammoth overhaul.
Wests’ plans include state-of-the-art rehabilitation facilities, hydrotherapy pools, learning facilities and community spaces.
The club plans to use it as a base to retain elite playing talent within the area.
“The model delivers outstanding facilities, efficiencies across multiple users, a focus on sustainability, and commercial opportunities for the club which were previously out of reach,” Wests CEO Justin Pascoe said.
“Inner West Central will be a hub of activity in the region, and a destination for elite sport, pathway sport and the community alike.
“The proposed design is future proofed and will allow the club to truly establish itself as a force in the NRL and affiliate competitions, on and off the field, including enhancing our contribution to the community.”
The Sydney East Planning Panel approved the development proposal on December 19 with just one submission against it, which panel members concluded was “more to do with the impact of WestConnex than with (Concord Oval)”.
Concord Oval holds a historic place in Australian rugby lore, as the site of some of the most memorable moments in the sport.
One of the more unforgettable matches came in the 1987 Rugby World Cup, where the Wallabies suffered a heartbreaking 30-24 loss to France in the semi-final.
The last time the stadium saw a fresh lick of paint was in 1985, when it was redeveloped in the lead up to hosting games for the ‘87 World Cup.
However, the oval itself has played second fiddle for elite level games since the recent construction of bigger stadiums nearby like the Sydney Football Stadium in Moore Park, Stadium Australia in Homebush and the new Parramatta Stadium.
Canada Bay Council, in spruiking the development in 2018, hoped the new Concord Oval would once again become the home of rugby in the inner west when it was built after tracing its roots as a housing ground for convicts ordered to break stones to build the Great North Rd in the 1800s.
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