Moorebank Sports Club is thrilled to confirm it has entered negotiations with Liverpool Council about the disposal of operational land around Hammondville Park, and the future redevelopment of the precinct.
The news was confirmed by Liverpool Councillor Fiona MacNaught, who attended the Sporties Annual General Meeting on Sunday 26 November 2023, on behalf of Mayor Ned Mannoun.
“Sporties has been a hub in our local community since opening its doors in the 1970s, providing the very best amenities and facilities to over 28,000 members. The Club is vital to the local area, providing opportunities for young people to engage in a range of sports including rugby league, netball, cricket, baseball, and soccer.
“Today, I’m pleased to announce that Liverpool City Council and Moorebank Sports Club are a step closer to entering into an agreement that will see Hammondville Park upgraded with first class facilities.
“This is truly a very exciting time in our relationship with Sporties and lets continue to work together to ensure the community gets the Club and the sporting facilities it needs and deserves”.
In a joint statement, Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun says it has been a long-term goal of both Council and the Sporties Board to maximise the full potential of Hammondville Park.
“This announcement clears the way for both organisations to plan in a co-ordinated manner with certainty and make a significant investment in much needed local sporting, social and community infrastructure.
“We are excited to take this significant step in fulfilling our collective vision for the community”.
Early conceptual ideas for a new precinct have included the development of a new community hub featuring an upgrade of the current sporting fields, the addition of a state-of-the-art aquatic centre, new childcare and library facilities, and other much needed amenities.
Sporties President Alby Taylor says redevelopment plans for the current land will benefit everyone in the community.
“Sporties is delighted to be moving forward with negotiations with Liverpool Council, on a project that has the potential to deliver millions of dollars’ worth of sporting and social facilities for our local community.
“Our dream is to provide our members and guests, local businesses, and the wider residential community, with access to a specialised community hub without the need to travel outside their local area.
“I acknowledge there is a lot of work to be done to get a project like this off the ground, but I’m excited to be working with Council and the community to bring it to life”.
Moorebank Sports and Liverpool Council will now work towards an outcome that will best suit the needs of the local community.
More information about the Hammondville Park project can be found HERE
In the meantime, Sporties will focus on the upcoming $6M renovations of the current licensed Club, which are due to begin in January 2024.
Working with Altis Architects, these refurbishments will include new finishes, new lighting, and better flow in the main foyer area, a new large screen and more inclusive seating configuration in the main bar area, and an update of the bar in the TAB area.
The Belvedere Lounge will be opened up to provide a better flow from indoor to the outdoor space with views of the surrounding sports fields, and there will be new carpets and new finishes throughout.
There will be cosmetic upgrades to the Indulge Brasserie with an enhanced wine bar, and a better connection between the indoor and outdoor areas, and the bathrooms throughout the venue will also be given a facelift.
The floor plan for the venue will remain the same with a slight change in configuration in the main bar and Belvedere Lounge, with the overall look and feel of these refurbishments focusing on community, and our military connections.
To view design concepts for the refurbishment project, click HERE
Sunday’s AGM also featured a special tribute to former Club President Robert Fleeton, who resigned from the Board this year due to ailing health.
Bob was fundamental in the creation of this Club and built a legacy for the Moorebank, Holsworthy, Wattle Grove and surrounding communities. He was instrumental in the development and growth of both the licensed venue and each of the sporting codes.
Our Club would not be what it is today if not for the tenacious work by Bob and his team. Everyone at Sporties acknowledges his many years of service to the local community and wishes him all the best.
And finally, member Dennis Errington received recognition for his dedication to our Club with a nomination for a Lifetime Membership.
Dennis joined Sporties in 1994, and in 2011 he was elected to the Board. He immediately made an impact with his knowledge and experience in finance, and during his time as Vice President and Treasurer, the Club experienced huge growth in net assets and revenue.
Dennis served as a Director of Sporties for 11 years and there is no doubt he left the Club in a better place.
