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A massive 20 year investment program for infrastructure development in NSW will include $1.2 billion to finance the development of arts and sports facilities.

Part of Rebuilding NSW, the NSW Government’s $20 billion State Infrastructure Strategy that will include a second Sydney Harbour tunnel and new freeways, the $1.2 billion Sport and Cultural Fund will be bankrolled by the sale of currently State-owned electricity networks across NSW.

The amount to be spent on arts and sport facilities is a doubling of previous commitments and is expected to part fund elements of the NSW Stadia Strategy and flagship projects including improvements to the Sydney Opera House and the expansion of the Art Gallery of NSW.

The $600 million cultural infrastructure blueprint will focus investment on a 'geographically confined' arts precinct in central Sydney including an indigenous cultural centre at Barangaroo, long-awaited plans for which are awaiting completion.

The blueprint also identified the Sydney Opera House, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct and the Art Gallery of NSW's Sydney Modern extension (pictured below) as priorities for funds along with the creation of a cultural precinct in Parramatta that might involve the relocation of the Powerhouse Museum collection from Ultimo to Parramatta. 

Spending of $600 million on sport facilties will include considerations for enlarging Sydney's Allianz Stadium, funding the ANZ Stadium's redevelopment and a new rectangular stadium in Western Sydney.

At this stage it is not clear whether community aquatic, entertainment, fitness, performing arts, recreation and sport facilities will be backed by the Fund.

However, as part of $6 billion in sprending on regional infrastructure, the NSW Government has also allocated $300 million for regional tourism and environment projects.

Commenting on the infrastructure package, NSW Premier Mike Baird stated “Rebuilding NSW will ... boost productivity, create jobs and set this great State up for generations.

“This is a visionary plan for Sydney and the regions, and most important, it is funded.”

Pro-development lobby group Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) has welcomed the funding, with Chief Executive Margy Osmond stating "tThis is the kind of big picture thinking that the tourism industry has been keen to see.

“These investments will mean a more liveable, exciting Sydney that continues to attract international and domestic visitors.
“The investment in cultural and sport infrastructure from the (NSW) Government’s proposed asset recycling will boost the New South Wales visitor economy and help the state achieve its target of doubling overnight visitor expenditure by 2020.

“Sporting events and the arts play a critical role in the New South Wales visitor economy and today’s announcement will help those sectors to contribute even more in the future.

“The Sydney Opera House is more than a venue, it is a symbol of Australia’s creativity and aspirations. Additional funding for this irreplaceable piece of tourism and arts infrastructure will allow it to continue to grow and will be a serious investment in our tourism future. 

“The investment in the Art Gallery of New South Wales will mean a doubling of floor space and an increase in its capacity to attract major national and international exhibitions. 

"The prospect of dynamic arts precincts in Walsh Bay and Parramatta also give the state a real opportunity to be the long term home of more national performing arts companies and cultural activities in the city’s west. 

“We also welcome the projected additional funding for stadia, ensuring that Sydney is home to some of the nation’s most significant major sporting events. We would urge the government to recognise the importance of ANZ Stadium and ensure that its funding needs are met."

18th November 2014 - ANZ STADIUM’S $350 MILLION REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TO REVITALISE FORMER OLYMPIC VENUE

29th October 2014 - LEADING ARCHITECTS INVITED TO REIMAGINE ART GALLERY OF NSW

26th October 2014 - BARANGAROO DEVELOPMENT TO INCLUDE NEW SYDNEY THEATRE?

15th July 2014 - NSW GOVERNMENT REAFFIRMS PLANS TO BACK MAJOR STADIA

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