The Sydney Swans’ training ground, Lakeside Oval, is set to receive a major boost, with the venue being guaranteed a multimillion-dollar upgrade.

The development, announced by the NSW Government and supported by Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust, Transport for NSW and the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust, will see the venue increased to the dimensions of Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, while the playing surface will also be improved.

Supporters travelling to SCG home games will also be better off, with the public-transport interchange to be relocated and improved, while safer lighting is set to be installed.

Incoming Swans CEO Tom Harley says it’s a great result for the Club.

“This is a really important announcement for our club and one that will enable the team to train on an AFL-appropriate oval – a huge improvement from the narrow training ground it’s been in the past,” Harley said.

“With the increase in games at the SCG next season due to the Allianz Stadium redevelopment, this will also provide us with an appropriate training ground that will allow us to move some training sessions there during the home-and-away season.

“Lakeside Oval is also the training base and home of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy and the Club’s community programs, so the improvement will go a long way to developing the next generation of male and female footballers.

“With work to commence next week, the senior program will move training to Bat and Ball Oval and Henson Park before relocating briefly to the SCG while the upgrade is complete.

“We’d like to thank the NSW Government, Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust, Transport for NSW and the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust for bringing this project to life."

As part of the upgrade, the current large concrete bus structures will be removed and replaced with more modern, subtle structures, which will be closer to Anzac Parade and the new Light Rail. 

Work will begin on Lakeside Oval next week and is due to be completed in May 2019.