SYDNEY has sealed its long-term future in the Moore Park precinct with an $80 million deal develop a new headquarters a stone's throw from the SCG.
The Swans will take over a 27-year lease to manage the Royal Hall of Industries and the Horden Pavilion, both of which lie directly to the south of the SCG.
The heritage-listed Royal Hall of Industries will be renovated to include training facilities and an administrative base for the Swans and the NSW Swifts netball team.
The restoration and redevelopment will also include:
- an international standard netball court that will be available to the public
- an Australian Red Cross blood donation centre
- a game-day social hub for Swans members and supporters
- the home of the GO Foundation and the Clontarf Foundation
- a new indoor function and recreation centre to host community events such as the annual Sydney Mardi Gras after-party
- a museum to record the history of the venues and of the Sydney Swans
The Hordern Pavilion will remain a live music venue.
Sydney CEO and managing director Andrew Ireland said the deal would secure the Swans' future in the precinct the club has long called home.
"It means so much to our staff, players, members and supporters to be able to remain near the SCG. Make no mistake, this marks a very significant day in Sydney Swans history," Ireland said.
"Our vision for the Royal Hall of Industries will balance the needs of the community and high-performance sport. We will create spaces that can be used by community groups and grassroots sporting teams, while establishing a home for the Sydney Swans and the NSW Swifts to build a future.
"This project represents a very significant investment with $65 million to be spent on the initial development across both buildings and the plaza, along with an additional $15 million maintenance plan to preserve the buildings over the course of the 27-year lease."
