Wests Tigers: Work starts on $75m centre of excellence

Considered the spiritual home of footy in the inner west, Wests Tigers have begun building what they hope will be the a facility for the NRL champions of the future.

An artist's impression of the Concord Oval redevelopment. Picture: Supplied

Work has officially commenced on the $75 million redevelopment of Concord Oval

which will transform the suburban oval into a world class sporting, recreation and

community hub.

The project create recreation spaces for the rapidly growing inner west population and include a Centre of Excellence for the Wests Tigers.

“I’m proud to say that we committed $42 million worth of funding to make this happen.

Turning the sod at the Concord Oval redevelopment project on Friday are Reid MP Fiona Martin, Transport Minister Andrew Lee and Planning Minister Rob Stokes, among others

Quality public spaces are vital for our wellbeing and this project reimagines space around the oval for the inner-west community to enjoy,” Planning Minister Rob Stokes said.

“As well, it will create 1000 jobs during construction and provide a major boost to the construction industry as we rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Acting Sport Minister Geoff Lee said the sport precinct would support community participation in sport and the development of promising young male and female players from the inner west and south-west Sydney.

“The Wests Tigers Centre of Excellence will feature high-performance training, education and administration facilities as well as dedicated multi-purpose community facilities to enable the club to expand its community programs,” Mr Lee said.

The project should be finished in time for the 2022 season.

Drummoyne MP John Sidoti said the redevelopment provided benefits for the entire community.

“The inner west is already the greatest place to live in Australia and the project will provide social and recreational benefits that will make the area an even better place to work, live and play,” Mr Sidoti said.

Mayor of Canada Bay Council Councillor Angelo Tsirekas said the Concord Oval precinct will secure essential open community space for a growing population.

“This project will secure public access to the site and offer essential community facilities to residents and visitors including an outdoor basketball court, playground, cafe, community rooms for hire, all alongside exceptional public art paying homage to the site’s historical significance.”