Wests Tigers construct a pitch in Liverpool for a new 20,000-seat stadium.
The Wests Tigers have approached the NSW government with a proposal to build a 20,000-seat stadium in the heart of Liverpool CBD, with the goal of making it the club’s permanent home.
The idea, which was first presented to the Tigers by Liverpool Council, has encountered an early stumbling block, however, following the Herald’s discoveries that club chairman Lee Hagipantelis is on the verge of being deposed.
Earlier this week, Hagipantelis and Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun met with NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper to present the concept, which is still in its early stages.
Councillor Mannoun told 2GB radio station that a purpose-built stadium in rugby league’s heartland was long overdue, adding that he has been “out there pitching this for a very, very long time.”
“Whoever has any vision, if you want to grow your market share you’d think south-west Sydney is where it’s all growing,” said Cr Mannoun. “If the Tigers see opportunity here, go for it.”
The chosen location for the planned new stadium is near the intersection of Hume Highway and Remembrance Avenue in Liverpool, and includes the Whitlam Aquatic Centre, the netball facility, and maybe Hillier Oval – the former Oasis site owned by Canterbury Leagues Club.
The idea would rely on the construction of up to 3000 new flats on the land, with a mix of private residences, public housing, and build-to-rent properties.
The revenue from erecting residences on the land is expected to cover the majority of the stadium’s construction costs. According to the idea, the maximum cost to taxpayers would be less than $100 million.
If the Oasis property was rezoned to allow residential redevelopment, the Bulldogs, who own the land, might be in line for a $40-$50 million profit if they opted to sell.
The proposals also include a new aquatic center, an aged-care facility, and a conference center, comparable to the recently erected Panthers Leagues Club building.
The Tigers have already agreed to renovate their two existing home grounds, Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown, with Inner West Council and Campbelltown City Council. It is unclear how the Liverpool project will alter those plans, but the idea proposes that the Tigers would play one or two games at Leichhardt Oval each year, with the remainder played at the new stadium.
Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Byrne called the Liverpool proposal “ridiculous” and said the club should focus on its on-field success rather than property development.
“The adopted position of Wests Tigers board is to advocate for the long-overdue funding to upgrade Leichhardt and Campbelltown,” said councillor Byrne. “The absurd idea of moving all home games to a stadium in Liverpool funded by property developers is absurd and inconsistent with the club’s commitment to fans and members.”
“Wests Tigers is a well-known sporting franchise, not a property development firm.” The club has no business campaigning for Liverpool’s housing policies. It’s time to concentrate on winning football games and making the top eight.”
When approached by the Herald on Thursday, Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis declined to comment.
Last year, the NRL made early inquiries about constructing its own stadium in south-west Sydney, approaching the Wests Tigers and Bulldogs to assess their interest in playing at a prospective new facility in Liverpool or Rossmore near Western Sydney airport.
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo met with Bulldogs and Tigers executives as the code investigated acquiring an asset similar to the AFL’s ownership of Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. That strategy has subsequently failed.
Liverpool Council approached the Macarthur Bulls A-League team, who now play at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, about the new stadium idea, but they have not yet confirmed their position. The club did not respond to requests for comment.
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