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Wollongong City Council has provided a report to the NSW Government that sets out the context and a process for the redevelopment of the Illawarra Sports and Entertainment Precinct, which includes the Venues NSW assets of WIN Entertainment Centre, WIN Stadium and the training field.

With both venues in need of updating, the report calls for immediate funding from the NSW Government for a masterplan for this key precinct, supported by comprehensive community engagement led by NSW Government.

Suggestions in the Illawarra Sports and Entertainment Precinct Final Report: January 2022 include a redevelopment of the WIN Entertainment Centre with a new northern grandstand in WIN Stadium integrated with the new entertainment venue, upgrading of the WIN Stadium’s ‘Hill’ to support activation with the ocean and a new southern grandstand with contemporary game day facilities.

While the significance of the precinct is noted in the NSW Government’s Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041 and Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan - and also aligned with numerous Council plans and strategies - both the venues have been starved of funds in recent years

A report in May 2020 suggested the Illawarra region was missing out on hosting major indoor events due to a lack of investment into the WIN Entertainment Centre.

The report indicated that the venue, opened in 1998, was “not fit for purpose”.

Prior to that, in February 2020, an NBL game at the venue was abandoned due to a leaking roof.

In 2020, Council was asked by the then NSW acting Minister for Sport, Dr Geoff Lee, to lead a process to inform the future of the precinct. During 2021, the Council led the process to consider future development opportunities for the precinct in collaboration with the Illawarra Sports and Entertainment Precinct Steering Committee.

The Council explains that its “vision for the broader precinct is a place for gathering, where people come together to watch and play sport, to be entertained, to relax and exercise, and to worship.”

In addition to the Council’s plans and possible funding for the precinct through Venues NSW, a group of property developments are suggesting that the prime beachfront real estate be redeveloped for residential use and a new stadium and arena be built elsewhere in the city.

Click here to view the Illawarra Sports and Entertainment Precinct Final Report: January 2022.

Images: WIN Stadium hosts a motorsport event (top, credit: Wollongong City Council) and concepts for the precinct in the Illawarra Sports and Entertainment Precinct Final Report: January 2022 (below).

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