North-west Sydney will soon be home to Australia's largest community rugby league precinct, after the NSW Government approved the construction of the Parramatta Eels Centre of Excellence and Community Facility at Kellyville Memorial Park.
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the approval brings the vision of a quality public space in north-west Sydney that bridges the gap between elite sport and the general community closer to reality.
"The Parramatta Eels Centre of Excellence and Community Facility at Kellyville Park delivers on the NSW Government's commitment to improving open space for the rapidly growing north-west Sydney population," Mr Roberts said.
"The Centre's dedicated multi-purpose community facilities will enable the club to expand its community programs, initiatives and engagement, strengthening its connection with the community and passionate fans.
"The precinct will play a major role in growing women's rugby league, with the facility being the first venue in Australia capable of hosting dedicated stand-alone NRLW games.
"This project is part of a sports facility construction boom across NSW that is supporting thousands of additional construction jobs and providing an economic boost to the communities they are located in."
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the project would provide integrated world-class high-performance training, administration and community facilities for the identification and development of rugby league talent.
"The NSW Government is investing in community sporting infrastructure through the Centres of Excellence program, which aims support codes to identify and develop the next generation of sporting stars," Mr Henskens said.
"The Parramatta Eels Centre of Excellence will improve male and female pathways and player development in the club's north-west Sydney heartland, ensuring the Eels continue to challenge for NRL and NRLW premierships in the years to come."
Parramatta Eels Chief Executive Officer Jim Sarantinos said the approval of the club's Development Application was a significant milestone for the Club as it takes another step forward to building Australia's largest community Rugby League precinct at Kellyville Park.
"From community engagement to high performance outcomes, this world class facility will be home to our NRL, NRLW and Elite Pathways teams, and will increase participation across all forms of rugby league for boys and girls from grassroots to the elite levels of the game," Mr Sarantinos said.
Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-2023 and be completed by 2025.
