An ambitious redevelopment of the WIN Stadium precinct in Wollongong is set to deliver a significant economic boost and modernized facilities, as announced by the Minns Government on Friday, January 23. The project, which includes a $17 million allocation for planning, aims to transform the ageing entertainment centre into a world-class sports and entertainment hub.
The redevelopment will see the construction of a new WIN Arena, replacing the existing WIN Entertainment Centre, with a capacity nearly double its current size, accommodating 9,500 people. The project also includes a revamped WIN Stadium, featuring a new northern grandstand and an extended southern grandstand, designed to support the growth of both men’s and women’s sports across New South Wales.
Funding and Planning Details
The newly announced funds are earmarked for architectural designs, environmental and engineering reports, and the development of a construction tender. Premier Chris Minns emphasized that this is just the beginning of the investment, committing to funding the project through to completion.
“I just want to make that clear: this is not the end of the investment, this is the beginning of the story,” Premier Minns stated. “We want to make sure that we’re measuring twice and cutting once, and that when we do commit the funds, there’s not an overrun and that the taxpayers get value for money.”
Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper, indicated that the planning and tender stage would take approximately 12 months. However, a timeline for construction and completion has not yet been established.
Economic and Social Impact
The redevelopment is expected to deliver about $550 million in economic benefit for the region, with Wollongong’s CBD potentially hosting up to 150 events annually. Wollongong MP and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, described the project as “city-shaping,” highlighting its potential to transform Wollongong into a global sporting and entertainment destination.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown expressed optimism about the project, noting that it would provide certainty to users of the facility, which has faced issues such as a roof leak that ended a Hawks game in 2020.
“People are spending a lot of money to come to events, they want to make sure that those events take place,” Cr Brown noted.
Features and Community Engagement
The beachside complex will include a cafe, kiosk, and multi-purpose spaces for functions and special events, transforming the precinct into a “365 day a year destination,” according to Mr. Scully. He also emphasized the importance of connecting western Sydney to world-class events, with the precinct attracting visitors from the surrounding 1.2 million-strong population.
Consultation with operators, such as the Illawarra Hawks and the St George Illawarra Dragons, will be part of the planning process to determine their temporary venues during construction. The development will also feature new corporate and conferencing facilities, as well as upgraded scoreboard, ribbon boards, sports lighting, and stadium sound systems.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the excitement surrounding the project, some challenges remain, particularly regarding parking. Mr. Scully addressed concerns, stating that while the new facilities would bring in more people, the existing infrastructure allows for relatively easy access to events. He suggested that the perceived parking issue is more about perception than reality, although improvements to public transport are necessary.
The project is expected to support more than 600 full-time jobs and up to 1,100 roles during its lifecycle. The revitalization of the WIN Entertainment Centre has been a long-standing goal for local politicians, sporting organizations, and businesses. Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park hailed the development as a “game-changer” for the region.
“The new world-class precinct will transform Wollongong into a global sporting and entertainment destination, attracting more tourism and investment to the already thriving region,” Mr. Park said.
As the planning phase progresses, stakeholders and the community will be watching closely to see how this ambitious project unfolds, with hopes that it will indeed reshape the landscape of Wollongong and its role on the global stage.
