Netball and tennis players and fans are set to benefit from a major upgrade to create an international level facility for both sports in Western Sydney.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres today to announce the $50.5 million upgrade to the Tennis Centre at Sydney Olympic Park.
"This upgrade will provide better facilities for netball and tennis fans and athletes, and provide opportunities for both sports to meet growing demand especially in Western Sydney," Ms Berejiklian said.
"We know the Swifts and Giants netball teams have completely outgrown their existing facility, and a bigger and better venue is needed. This upgraded facility will have 10,000 seats, so more fans can support their team."
As part of the upgrade, a new roof will be installed over Ken Rosewall Arena and Show Court 1 to create an all-weather high-performance environment for both sports. A timber sprung floor will also be installed at the Arena, capable of hosting major netball events.
The upgrade will improve players’ facilities, lighting, ventilation, seating and public amenities.
Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said this upgrade will help secure major international sporting events as part of the Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 years strategy.
"We are bringing the best sporting events in the world to NSW, and this upgrade will allow us to host ATP Tennis World Team Cup event in January 2020,
"We want the best tennis players in the world playing in Western Sydney – and this upgrade is part of our strategy to make that happen."
Netball NSW CEO Carolyn Campbell supported the announcement and said that by providing access to a purpose-built facility, netball will continue to see strong growth.
"Netball is one of the top sports in NSW when it comes to participation, and is the market leader for women and young girls. Sydney requires a fit for purpose indoor venue to accommodate our professional franchises, the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball."
"Today’s announcement is a wonderful development, which will provide us with a much more cost-effective venue that also allows us to raise the number of people who will be able to watch our game at the elite level."
Tennis NSW CEO Lawrence Robertson welcomed the news, stating that the upgrade will allow tennis to attract new events and the best international talent.
"The redevelopment of Ken Rosewall Arena and Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre is extremely exciting for tennis in NSW and for Sydney. It will ensure that the facility here remains one of the nation’s premier tennis facilities and allows us to bid for new world-class events such as the ATP World Team Cup," said Mr Robertson.
"Sydney has a long tennis history and is home to one of the world's oldest professional tennis tournaments. These upgrades will go a long way to ensure we are in the best possible position to continue that tradition when the biggest event outside of the Grand Slams makes its debut on the tennis calendar in January 2020."
