This Sunday marks an important milestone in the biggest-ever upgrade to historic Henson Park, with stage one of the renovation complete. Fans and players will enjoy the upgraded facilities of the George V Memorial Grandstand when it is officially opened at the AFLW local derby between the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants on Sunday.
Inner West Council and NSW AFL have invested $20 million, including grant funding from both the Federal and NSW Governments, to upgrade the iconic Marrickville ground to make it one of the premier AFLW venues in Australia and a hub for women's sport.
The grandstand and change rooms were in dire need of an upgrade as they were constructed for the 1938 Empire Games and had seen little improvement since. As a result, the player facilities were not fit for purpose or very female-friendly.
The new purpose-built change rooms, recovery area, medical room and ultra-modern gym means that one of Sydney's most historic and loved grounds now boasts state-of-the-art player facilities. Fans will also enjoy an extension of the historic grandstand including upgraded seating, toilet facilities and a brand-new community function space.
These facilities will elevate the game-day experience for players, officials, and fans at what is fast becoming a hub for women's football from grassroots to elite and continues to be the home of the mighty Newtown Jets.
Stage two of the renovation is slated for completion ahead of the 2026 community football season with works focusing on delivering a new multi-purpose building adjacent to the refurbished grandstand.
Stage 2 upgrades will include:
- New public amenities including accessible toilets and baby change facilities
- Coaches' boxes
- A new canteen
- Broadcast facilities
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said:
"The renovation of Henson Park ensures that the facilities for spectators and fans will be as good as the modern change rooms we are constructing for the players," Clr Byrne said.
"This $20 million investment will secure Henson Park as the home of the Newtown Jets and as a hub for women's AFL. The crowds we have been attracting to AFL at Henson have been bigger and they'll only grow as a result of this investment."
