Two of Sydney’s iconic entertainment venues – the Hordern Pavilion and Royal Hall of Industries at Moore Park – will live on as a world class entertainment, sporting and community precinct, thanks to a major investment from the NSW Government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Environment and Heritage Minister Gabrielle Upton and Sports Minister Stuart Ayres to announce a $20 million NSW Government investment in a $65 million dollar revitalisation.
"The Royal Hall of Industries and Hordern Pavilion has a special place in the hearts of Sydneysiders. It has always been a location for the people and it is great to see that history embraced and respected," Ms Berejiklian said.
"This exciting new project will create a vibrant community place that respects the great cultural, architectural and heritage significance of these iconic venues."
The Hordern Pavilion will retain its position as a premier live music and entertainment under a major renovation that will protect its heritage value.
The Royal Hall of Industries becomes the Sydney Swans HQ and Community Centre.
It will also be the new home of the NSW Swifts Netball Club, Sydney Swans Academy, a base for the future Sydney Swans AFL Women’s Team and Adam Goodes’ and Michael O’Loughlin’s GO Foundation and Clontarf Foundation for indigenous education, along with serving as an Australian Red Cross Blood Service donation centre.
Minister Upton said: "In addition to a public café and museum, the new space will house an international standard netball court and a multi-purpose recreation and function space that will be accessible to the community."
"Attending concerts at the Hordern holds a special place in the memories of so many Sydneysiders and visitors, so it’s very pleasing to see that the future of this live music venue is now secured."
Sports Minister Stuart Ayres said: "It is ultimately very fitting that these institutions that are deeply rooted in Sydney’s history have come together to create a new heartland for sport and community events, with junior players, women’s sport and indigenous education also set to benefit."
"Significantly, this project ensures long-term public access to the precinct, and balances the needs of the community, live entertainment and sport."
Following a competitive tender process, the PlayOn Group, a partnership between PlayBill Venue Management and the Sydney Swans, were successful in securing the lease with the Centennial Park & Moore Park Trust for both venues.
Sydney Swans Chief Executive and Managing Director Andrew Ireland said: "Our vision is to establish a world-class facility that will enable our football club to grow, both through the establishment of a future Sydney Swans women’s team and by expanding on the school and community programs we already deliver."
CEO of Netball NSW Carolyn Campbell said: "This is a very exciting day for both the NSW Swifts and Netball NSW."
A new outdoor entertainment space between the buildings will be connected to Sydney’s light rail to create a new gateway to the Entertainment Quarter.
Work is expected to get underway on the precinct by the middle of next year subject to design, planning and development approvals.
