Sydney archers up in arms over plans to scrap iconic Olympic venue and prestigious training hub
The site of Australia’s first Olympic archery gold medal and home to the largest nursery of national talent is set to be scrapped in a major redevelopment overhaul. FULL STORY.
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Members of Sydney Olympic Park Archers have taken aim at local planning authorities, claiming a proposal to exclude the club from future development erodes the sport’s legacy and role in the local community.
Snubbed from Master Plan 2050, the club’s famed Sydney Olympic Park headquarters is set to make way for “new playgrounds and hard courts” in a proposal set to deliver up to 13,000 homes and 32,000 jobs.
Built in conjunction with Stadium Australia to host the 2000 Olympics, the 200m by 120m facility quickly entered Aussie folklore when Simon Fairweather won the country’s first-ever archery Olympic gold.
Since formation in 2003, the club has grown to become the biggest in Australia and with more than 300 members provides a constant stream of talent to state and national teams.
For club member and three-time Olympian Matt Gray, the decision is a major shock.
“The venue holds significant historical and cultural value, not just for the archery community, but for the broader Olympic legacy of Sydney,” said Gray, who was a teammate of Fairweather in 2000.
“To remove it in favour of building two football fields, when there are ample nearby alternatives, would be an unfortunate and shortsighted decision.”
According to club president Tracey Hansford, the impacts of the development will be far reaching.
“We understand and support the vision for progress outlined in Master Plan 2050 however, the proposal should not come at the expense of venues integral to Australian sport, community engagement and inclusivity,” said Hansford.
“Archery is one of the few sports to embrace participants of all ages and backgrounds. Our club has members ranging in age from seven to 84, and the Olympic Park facility is uniquely equipped to support para-archers.
“As it stands, the redevelopment would strip those athletes of a place to train and compete without barriers.”
This year, five club members headed to Paris for the Olympics and Paralympics, while in 2023, four of the club’s teenage stars represented Australia at the World Junior Championships.
Yet to be advised of a relocation alternative, Hansford fears for members living near the current facility, and the sport’s ability to continually attract international events.
“Sydney Olympic Park Archers is centrally located in the heart of Sydney serving the local community, and those who travel to use facilities at the nearby NSW Institute of Sport,” she said.
“It is also capable of hosting international competition. Losing the venue would severely impact Australia’s ability to host global events and eventually hinder the development of the sport.”
Contacted for comment, a Sydney Olympic Park Authority spokeswoman explained the timeline and plans for relocation.
“There is no firm cut-off date for relocation, however SOPA will aim for the relocation to occur within the medium term, being 5-10 years,” said the spokeswoman.
“Alternate options are being investigated with a view to relocate the archery centre. When the options have been scoped, SOPA will engage in consultation with impacted participants and key stakeholders.”
With respect to world class events, the local archery club could have another battle on its hands.
“SOPA is currently working to extend the licence and to identify opportunities to secure events,” said the spokeswoman. “A tender process will commence shortly for a two year lease that will provide access to the club room and archery lanes. This will allow the successful tenderer to explore opportunities within the License Agreement timelines.”
Feedback on the draft proposal is open via the Sydney Olympic Park planning portal.
Until 5pm, Monday, November 25, public submissions and comments can be lodged on the Master Plan 2050 website.
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