It might be a few years away from opening, but the future of sports in West Dapto is looking bright.
Wollongong City Council is moving forward on plans for a sporting hub on West Dapto Road, Stream Hill. It’ll be the first new sporting facilities delivered in the fast-growing West Dapto area.
The hub will feature multiple sports fields, a neighbourhood-level community centre, contemporary sports amenities, sports flood lighting and car parking. The new sports fields will support hundreds of children and adults each day, and will help to create lifelong friendships in this emerging community.
“This is such great news for the city’s sporting community who, we know, are crying out for more opportunities to get out and play,” Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said.
“We have such a passionate and engaged community who love their sports – and the plans are for this site to cater to a wide range of sports.”
As Council considers the potential recreational uses for this site – flexibility of design will be paramount.
“Only this week, the Hills Shire Council have opened the new Stringer Road Reserve in North Kellyville and this is the sort of facility we’re looking to have in West Dapto,” Cr Brown said.
“They’ve cleverly designed their sporting fields to accommodate both round and rectangular fields so the area is able to cater to AFL, cricket as well as other sports. Drainage, irrigation and floodlighting will be incorporated to support maximum year-round use.
“This is what we’re looking at for West Dapto. It would be a way to future-proof this facility and help us to be able to respond to the changing demands and interests of our sporting community.”
Assistant Treasurer, Minister for Financial Services and Member for Whitlam, The Hon Stephen Jones MP said he was pleased construction will commence early next year.
“The Albanese Government has provided significant grant funding to the tune of $9 million for this project through the Priority Community Infrastructure Program,” Mr Jones said.
“West Dapto is a growing area, and I know how important it is for locals to have access to a high-quality sporting and community hub.
“These grant funds will go towards much-needed sporting fields, sports field lighting and associated car parking.”
Last week, the NSW Government announced grant funding towards Stage 2 of the Darkes Sporting and Community Hub, including development of an integrated community centre and sporting amenities, district-level playground, associated landscaping and car parking.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully MP said the State Voluntary Planning Agreement Funding Program was established to support the delivery of public amenities and services, affordable housing, transport infrastructure, and conservation works.
“The NSW Government is pleased to have provided $5 million towards the development of the Darkes District Sporting and Community Hub.
“The growth in residents in and around West Dapto should be matched with the types of social and community infrastructure that helps to create a thriving community.”
Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said in an area where new houses were being constructed all the time, it was essential related community-focused infrastructure like sporting facilities and neighbourhood centres were also being delivered.
“Wollongong City Council is grateful to the Federal Government and NSW State Government for this vital project in one of the state’s fastest growing greenfield areas,” Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said.
“While we know our community is passionate about increasing sports fields and year-around playing opportunities there is a finite amount in Council’s annual project budget and this has to be spread across all that we deliver for our community.
“Grant opportunities like this support Council to move forward on essential projects that allows is to get the balance right and build a future in a city that offers great places to live, work and play.”
