Campbelltown Council has voted to invest $10 million of its own money in a proposed $100 million expansion of Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Council held an extraordinary meeting last week to respond to the ultimatum from the Wests Tigers earlier this year that unless an upgrade went ahead the club would play its NRL matches elsewhere.
The club set a June 30 deadline for a response from council.
The $10 million commitment will be realized if both the NSW and Australian Governments agree to provide some of the funding.
Councill says it will also explore private funding for the mooted expansion of the stadium to 24,000 spectators from the current 17,000.
There’s one other condition for the council contribution: that Wests Tigers play a minimum of seven NRL matches as well as two NRLW games.
The proposed expansion would be achieved over two stages.
Stage 1: $50 million to increase capacity to around 21,000, extend and fit out the Western Grandstand (+4,000 undercover seats), add 500 corporate seats, construct new changerooms (male and female), and install new food and beverage concessions.
Stage 2: $50 million to fit out the Eastern Grandstand (+3,000 undercover seats), add 300 corporate hospitality seats, install new concessions, upgrade LED stadium lighting and field signage, and improve patron amenities across both sides.
“This will establish Campbelltown Sports Stadium as the primary home ground for the Wests Tigers and attract additional events from the Macarthur Bulls and other entertainment providers,’’ said a report tabled at the meeting.
In April, the Wests Tigers raised concerns about the stadium’s suitability for hosting NRL matches, citing infrastructure limitations and operational costs.
The club has indicated that without significant upgrades, Campbelltown will no longer be a viable venue for professional games.
“Losing the Wests Tigers fixtures from their spiritual home ground at Campbelltown Stadium would be a significant loss to our community,’’ said the council report.
“The Wests Tigers are a cornerstone of local pride and unity for our community. Their presence strengthens our community’s spirit, and their fans deserve access to local games that keep this connection alive.
“Council is continuing to do everything possible to retain and grow their presence in Campbelltown.’’
Campbelltown Council says they will chip in $ 10 million of their own money towards the $ 100 million upgrade of the stadium. It is Ratepayers’ money, not the council’s. Why don’t they say it as it is?