Fairfield Showground's multipurpose amenities building has opened following a $5.1 million construction overhaul meaning locals now have access to modern sporting facilities and a community hub for events.
The multipurpose amenities building features a community space, kitchen/canteen, two large change rooms that can be divided into four, adjoining doctors' rooms, restrooms, match official change rooms and bathrooms, gym/training room, office space, first aid facility and storage.
Locals including sportspeople, performers and Showground visitors will now have access to high quality change rooms, training, meeting and food preparation areas in the new building.
The project was funded as part of the Western Sydney City Deal's Western Parkland City Liveability Program, a joint commitment by the Federal Government, the NSW State Government and the Fairfield Council,.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the City Deal continued to deliver community infrastructure, which played an important role in the jobs-led recovery from COVID 19.
"This is a critical time to be getting boots on the ground and shovels moving and the Morrison Government is delivering these grassroots opportunities, where they can make all the difference," Mr Tudge said.
NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said public spaces had never been more important to the people of Western Sydney.
"We all need our open spaces to work for us and our families, giving us the chance to keep active, play a game, and get some fresh air. These two projects deliver richly on making day to day life better in the area," Mr Ayres said.
Senator for NSW Concetta Fierravanti-Wells said that the construction of these new facilities demonstrates that investment locally is helping to rebuild and energise communities across NSW and nationally, as we recover from the effects COVID-19.
"The construction and opening of the facilities has provided job opportunities and is encouraging local economic activity by providing the Fairfield community with an exciting new outdoor destination to enjoy," Ms Fierravanti-Wells said.
Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone said the new amenities building secures the Showground's growing reputation as a premier venue for major sporting, festival and music events.
"This new amenities building is an important step towards transforming Fairfield Showground to be able to host bigger sporting and cultural events for our community," Mayor Carbone said.
"This building will provide some of the region's best amenities for sports events and facilities for performances and festivals.
"Fairfield Showground is the geographical and cultural heart of our City. Council's vision is to transform the Showground into a place that offers something for everyone to come and enjoy.
"Whether you are a beginner or elite sportsperson, a rising star or established performer, a visitor enjoying one of the many sporting or cultural events that will be held here every year, or someone who is look for a place to bring their kids to play or go for a walk or bike ride, there is something for everyone at Fairfield Showground."
The amenities building is strategically placed between the festival, cricket and AFL arena, the FIFA-accredited synthetic field and the elite turf field. The improvements to the showground will drive increased participation in community activities and local sports from grassroots to the elite level.
Construction at Fairfield Showground is set to continute until mid-way through 2021 with stage two of the project due for completion. The second stage will redevelop the existing grandstands and provide furniture for use across the site, a bike learning track, an off-leash dog park and improved field lighting.
