$11m upgrade pledge for North Sydney Oval
The iconic North Sydney Oval will be upgraded if the NSW Government is re-elected in March, with $11 million pledged by Premier Dominic Perrottet.
The funding commitment follows Cricket NSW and the North Sydney Bears joining forces on a proposed $11 million funding redevelopment of the iconic oval to ensure it remains viable as an elite sport venue moving forward.
The redevelopment would include improvements to the spectator seating with individual seats to replace the existing bench seating, the playing surface, food and beverage outlets, and player and officials’ rooms.
“Players and fans alike will be bowled over by these upgrades which will enable North Sydney Oval to stage elite cricket matches and help support the growth of women’s sport in NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This will attract even more supporters to watch on in comfort and style, thanks to the long-term economic plan of the Liberal and Nationals Government.”
Other upgrades for the ground include improvements to community and stakeholder spaces, public toilet amenities and broadcast media boxes.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the North Sydney community has been campaigning for an upgrade for some time.
“I love coming down to North Sydney Oval to watch our local sporting teams but to have the Aussie female cricket team here on a regular basis will be even more special,” Mr Kean said.
“It’s one of our great sporting grounds and home of the beloved North Sydney Bears. This is an upgrade that will ensure the success of our local sporting teams and a re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will deliver it.”
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said investing in grassroots sport has a huge part to play in engaging the soaring number of female players in our local communities.
“North Sydney Oval has hosted some of cricket’s most important and memorable moments, including the inaugural day-night women’s Ashes Test in 2017 where Ellyse Perry scored an incredible double ton,” Mr Henskens.
“We want to continue growing female sport participation, and this project will ensure women and girls have a modern and fit-for-purpose venue to watch their sporting heroes in action.”
Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon welcomed the NSW Government’s commitment to upgrade North Sydney Oval.
“This project was highlighted as part of a Cricket NSW plan released last month, and it is through the excellent collaboration with all stakeholders including the NSW Government, North Sydney Council and other sports clubs, that this has come to fruition," Mr Germon said.
“These upgrades will ensure North Sydney Oval is cemented as the home of women’s cricket in Australia and more and more people, particularly young girls and boys, are inspired to play and love cricket.”
Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson said the iconic North Sydney Oval is special to everyone in the local North Shore community.
“I’ve worked alongside the community to champion this investment for more people to enjoy its unique atmosphere and access,” Ms Wilson said.
“This milestone investment will cement it as the home of women’s cricket for elite players, grassroots cricket clubs, and spectators of all ages.”
Member for Willoughby Tim James said North Sydney Oval has a legendary status for so many sports and their fans and the project would bring facilities into the 21st century.
“I cannot wait to see our local sporting teams and the Aussie female cricket team here on a regular basis – boosting participation in the sports we all love,” Mr James said.
Alongside women’s cricket and rugby league, North Sydney Oval hosted the inaugural Sydney Swans AFLW match last year in front of over 8200 fans, while a sell-out crowd of 8,384 attended the washed-out Sydney Sixers BBL game in January.
It is also the long-time home of the North Sydney Bears who have been vying to become the NRL’s 18th licence. Although the club has accepted it would have to be based outside of Sydney if successful, there are hopes some matches per season could be played at the team’s traditional home.
