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St George Illawarra Dragons has submitted a development application for its planned new Community and High Performance Centre (CHPC) at the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus.

Backed by $40 million in investment from the NSW Government as part of its ongoing backing for rugby Centres of Excellence program, the proposed facility will feature two full-sized sporting fields with floodlights, NRL and NRLW change rooms, a large gym, a hot-and-cold aquatic recovery centre, a physio and strapping room, a lecture theatre and a player lounge area.

It will also house a merchandise zone as well as the club’s administration offices, bringing the Dragons’ entire operations into one location.

Commenting on the project, NSW Minister for Sport, Alister Henskens stated “the Illawarra is a traditional rugby league stronghold, and this new facility will foster the next generation of talent from across the region

“Opportunities for those attending University of Wollongong will be extensive, with student access to the CHPC expected to reach 30-45 hours per week in the name of improved education, research, data sharing and partnership outcomes.”

Dragons Chairman Andrew Lancaster said the club had worked hard to develop a proposal that will deliver for the community, UOW, rugby league and the region, adding “the CHPC will provide exciting opportunities to further the club's community partnership activities that stretch from the St George region to the Illawarra, South Coast and beyond.

“It will build on the 20 different programs and more than 114,000 community members currently engaging with St George Illawarra each year, and be a catalyst for increased female participation in sport.”

Image: Concepts for the Dragons’ Community and High Performance Centre. Credit: NSW Government.

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