Council, Sydney Swans and Newtown Jets in talks to redevelop Henson Park
Inner West Council is to take a lead role in a partnership with the Newtown Jets, Sydney Swans and AFL NSW/ACT to seek State funding to upgrade Henson Park’s iconic grandstand for top level sporting use.
The Council has resolved to work to bring a Sydney Swans women’s team to play matches at Henson Park after they enter the AFLW and the Jets affiliate NRL Club the Cronulla Sharks women’s team to do the same, as part of the partnership.
In an unusual combination the iconic rugby league and AFL clubs have joined together to approach Council with a $4 million plan to install modern training and playing facilities and refurbish the King George V Memorial Grandstand at the famous Marrickville ground.
The plan includes new change rooms, state-of-the-art gym and fitness facilities, extra office and meeting spaces, plus a new players’ lounge. A new lift will be installed to allow people who are less mobile or in a wheelchair to access all levels of the grandstand as well as the amenities areas.
“It’s great to see two sporting codes come together to work on ways to establish world-class sporting facilities in the heart of the Inner West,” said Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne.
“We want to prove rugby league and AFL can work together to achieve results for all sports fans.
“Council is looking forward to taking the lead role in its partnership with the Newtown Jets, the Swans and AFL NSW/ACT.
“We will be submitting a joint application for funding to the State Government’s Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund to make this redevelopment happen.
“I’m excited this redevelopment could also result in Henson Park becoming the home for the Sydney Swans Women's team, when they enter the AFLW league, as well as the home to Cronulla Sharks NRL Women’s Premiership team,” he said.
“It’s important that we deliver professional training and game facilities at Henson Park, so that elite sport can be played there into the future.”
Henson Park was a former brick pit that was officially opened as a football oval and cycling track in 1933. The King George V Memorial Grandstand was completed in 1937, and hosted spectators for cycling events and the closing ceremony of the British Empire Games (now the Commonwealth Games), which were held at the ground in 1938.
For further information, please contact John Roper on 0435 963 787.