The Minns Labor Government has today revealed the vision for a new world-class sports and entertainment precinct in Wollongong, committing $17 million to unlock the next stage of planning to bring the project to life.
The plans include a new WIN Arena with a capacity of 9,500, nearly double its' existing capacity of 5,300, located just footsteps from Wollongong's famous beaches and thriving CBD.
Once complete, the redevelopment will include a revamped WIN Stadium, featuring a new northern grandstand and an extended and reconfigured southern grandstand with improved player changerooms to support the growth of men's and women's sport in the region and across NSW.
The Wollongong sporting and entertainment precinct will become the place to be, attracting up to 150 events per year, whilst delivering roughly $550 million in additional economic activity to the local community.
The precinct will include a new beach-side complex including a café, kiosk and toilets and multi-purpose spaces for functions and special events to be enjoyed on game day and all-year round
The game day experience for the St George Illawarra Dragons and other major events will be enhanced with modern upgrades to scoreboards, ribbon boards, sports lighting and the stadium sound system.
Both WIN Arena and WIN Stadium will offer improved food, beverage and merchandise outlets, modern corporate areas and function rooms, more toilets, and sitewide accessibility improvements, including new entry gates and wheelchair access to the hill redevelopment.
During construction, more than 600 full-time jobs will be supported and up to 1100 roles during the life of the project.
The Minns Labor Government is investing in the Illawarra region to ensure its housing, services and infrastructure support a growing population, strengthen the local economy and build a more vibrant future.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"Wollongong is one of Australia's great regional cities, and this investment recognises its importance to NSW.
"By nearly doubling the capacity of WIN Arena and upgrading WIN Stadium, we're creating a venue capable of hosting up to 150 events a year. That means more concerts, more sporting events and more reasons for people to visit, stay longer and spend locally."
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:
"This is a game-changing announcement for the Illawarra region.
"The new world-class precinct will transform Wollongong into global sporting and entertainment destination, attracting more tourism and investment to the already thriving region.
"The Minns Labor Government is putting the Illawarra on the world stage, with a new WIN Arena and redeveloped WIN Stadium right on the foreshore of some of Australia's most iconic beaches"
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:
"This is a city-shaping and city growing plan from the Minns Labor Government that will help elevate Wollongong's events and visitor economy.
"Expanding the capacity of WIN stadium, redeveloping the Entertainment Centre into WIN Arena and adding a new beachside complex turns this important part of Wollongong from a part time venue into a full-time destination for sports, entertainment, functions and fun.
"It's the redevelopment that I have been determined to get for Wollongong since I was first elected and I am excited for the difference it will make to our city, to jobs and to encourage associated investments."
Minister for Sport and Tourism Steve Kamper
"This is a landmark moment for the Illawarra. A new world-class WIN Arena and redeveloped WIN Stadium will turn the precinct into an all-year destination.
"A thriving sports and entertainment precinct in Wollongong will see more live events for the region, providing a boon for the local economy, tourism and jobs.
"This will be an iconic live entertainment site, set right on the foot of the beach. It's time we realised its full potential."
