The new Sydney Swans HQ and Community Centre in Moore Park has seen another significant milestone this week – being officially opened by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns.
The $70 million project has transformed the iconic Royal Hall of Industries building, fondly remembered by many Sydneysiders as the showbag pavilion, into a state-of the-art training and community centre.
Sydney Swans HQ and Community Centre provides a world-class home for the Sydney Swans men’s and women’s teams and the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, as well as a new hub for Sydney Swans members, and a space that can be utilised by the community.
The development includes an indoor training field, gym, wet recovery area, medical amenities, a retail store, commercial kitchen, media studio, auditorium, learning centre, office space and a rooftop terrace, while the newly built adjoining building includes an international standard multi-purpose indoor sports court.
In addition to the Sydney Swans, the building is home to community partners GO Foundation, Clontarf Foundation, and Lifeblood’s largest donor centre in Sydney’s east, as well as tenants 98 Gym, and Hoops Capital, the owners of the Sydney Kings and Flames.
The project was supported by a $15 million investment from the Federal Government, $26 million investment from the NSW Government, and $6 million investment from the AFL. The remaining cost was funded through the Sydney Swans Foundation and the generosity of club donors.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he is pleased to officially open the new facility.
“The magnificent new Sydney Swans HQ and Community Centre is a monument to the vision, the dedication and the hard work of so many people.
“I’m confident these new facilities will drive even more growth through the youth Academy as well as supporting the extraordinary surge in AFLW, inspiring the next generation of women and girls.”
Premier Chris Minns said the project has turned one of Sydney’s most iconic buildings into a community space that will support the growth of AFL in NSW.
“I cannot think of a better way to celebrate the Sydney Swan’s record breaking 171-point win over the West Coast Eagles last weekend – the greatest since 1987 – than with the opening of the Sydney Swans HQ and Community Centre.
“The NSW Government is proud to be supporting the continued growth of women’s and children’s sport that will be bolstered by this world-class home for the Sydney Swans men’s, women’s, and QBE Academy programs.”
NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the breaking down barriers in women’s sport is a NSW Government priority.
“Connecting elite athletes and facilities to grassroots sporting communities is a key focus of NSW Government’s investment strategy, together with supporting increased female participation in sport.
“Sydney Swans HQ’s dedicated female facilities and programs will improve pathways for females and support the development of the Sydney Swans AFLW team, while the dedicated multi-purpose community facilities will enable the Swans to better connect with their passionate fans and expand community programs.”
Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham has thanked both governments and all those who have contributed to make the project possible.
“This project is much more than a home for our football club – it was a crucial step in establishing a Sydney Swans women’s team and expanding our QBE Sydney Swans Academy to provide a pathway to the elite level for youth boys and girls in Sydney,” Pridham said.
“Importantly, this is a facility in the heart of Moore Park that is accessible to the community. It enables us to expand our school and community outreach programs, such as our new Indigenous Academy program, and we have already seen our indoor training field well utilised by community and school groups.
“On behalf of everyone at the Sydney Swans I would like to thank both governments for their support, along with our builders FDC, architects Populous, all our wonderful supporters who have generously donated, and everyone else whose efforts have contributed to bring this vision to life.
“Our members are the lifeblood of our football club, and this project wouldn’t have been possible without their significant financial contributions – and for some of our donors those contributions have been made over many years. Our club will always be grateful.
“Sydney Swans HQ and Community Centre is the biggest project our club has undertaken since moving to Sydney and it will leave a lasting legacy for the future.”
