New sports facilities to be constructed at Penrith’s Mark Leece Sportsground

September 28, 2020

With its current 30 year-old facilities unable to provide adequate secure storage options and change room facilities required for the growing St Clair area’s soccer and netball clubs, new sports facilities are to be constructed for Penrith’s Mark Leece Sportsground.

Demolition of the old amenity block at the Sportsground has made way for construction to commence on a new facility that services three sports fields, four netball courts, a skate park and nine local schools.

The new facilities will be funded through a $1.3 million grant from the NSW Government’s Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund and a further $455,000 from Council. The NSW Government’s Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund has been established to improve the quality and quantity of sport participation for communities in Greater Sydney and is investing in new and existing venues.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler said the new facilities will be welcomed by the St Clair user groups and visiting teams.

Mayor Fowler advises “the new facilities will meet accessibility standards, provide additional change rooms to cater for the growth in female participation and offer much better storage.

“The sportsground is in demand from a range of user groups and the local community who use it to for physical activity and social connection and I am pleased the upgrade will service their needs.

“Council, in consultation with the community, has identified projects like this within our Sports and Recreation Strategy and with funding from the NSW Government’s Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund are making them a reality.

“Council and the community are appreciative of the funding provided for this project and in particular the work of Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies in advocating for our local community.”

NSW Acting Minister for Sport, Geoff Lee said the Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund provides many benefits to NSW adding “it is vital people have accessible, safe and inclusive sports infrastructure in their communities.

“The NSW Government three-year program is investing $100 million towards new and upgraded sports facilities which will enable communities to participate in sport at all levels.”

Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said the upgrades provided a multi-sport facility that could be used by the community all year round and noted “these upgrades will ensure St Clair residents can enjoy the benefits of regular activity and exercise at an inclusive community sport facility.”

User Groups:

St. Clair Soccer Club - has 494 male players and 186 female players registered in 64 teams across all ages.

St. Clair Netball Club - utilise four courts for training and netball development at the site. The club presently has 165 female members of all ages operating without suitable amenities.

Nine local schools – Primary and Secondary

Image: Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies (centre) prepares to turn the sod for the new Mark Leece Sportsground Amenity Building and is joined by Jo Bisset (President - St Clair Netball Club), Mayor of Penrith, Ross Fowler, Marc Finnigan (President - St Clair United Soccer) and Alana Spicer (Director - Nepean Football Association). Courtesy of Penrith City Council

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