The NSW Rugby Union (NSWRU) is finally moving forward with the development of its Centre of Excellence, which will be the permanent home of the NSWRU and the NSW Waratahs.
Following the signing of a 30-year agreement with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to develop a section of the university-owned David Phillips Sports Complex in Daceyville, the long-planned project’s development application has been filed with the Bayside Council in mid-December 2020.
The agreement follows a two-year temporary tenancy at the sports complex whilst Project Control Group Ontoit worked alongside COX Architect to design the new facility and prepare the plans for the Council.
The long-planned project received a $20 million funding from the NSW Government in 2018, which will cover work for a two-storey state-of-the-art sports hub with a grandstand, shared offices, meeting areas and function spaces like a gym and medical facility.
Existing structures in the northwest corner of the complex at Cook and Gwea Avenues will be demolished to make way for the Centre of Excellence.
“It goes without saying that it’s been a challenging year for everyone, to finalise this element of the project is really pleasing,” NSW Rugby CEO Paul Doorn said. “COVID did have an impact on some of our project timelines, but our Project Control Group and our design consultants, Ontoit and COX Architect have worked tirelessly to get us to this point.
“It’s a significant body of work and one that will benefit the Waratahs and rugby across New South Wales for many years to come.”
“We’re extremely excited to be remaining in Daceyville [following relocation from Moore Park] and I’d like to thank the University of New South Wales for their support of this project from the outset,” General Manager of Business Operations Adam Fulepp said.