FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GRANTS $7.5 MILLION TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW HAKOAH COMMUNITY CENTRE AT WHITE CITY
The Federal Government today announced a grant of $7.5 million towards the planned project at White City, which is being developed by the Hakoah Club.
This grant is a welcome boost towards the $65 million required to transform the dilapidated tennis complex in Paddington into a contemporary multi-faceted community and sports hub.
The new centre will become an integrated sports, cultural and community venue with two heated pools, nine tennis courts (operated by Maccabi Tennis), a football field, fitness and wellness centre, and enclosed multi-use courts. It will house spaces for community events, cultural activities, as well as meeting and function spaces, and food and beverage venues.
The President of Hakoah Club, Mr Steven Lowy AM, enthusiastically welcomed the support provided by the Federal government.
“We are grateful for the backing and support that we’ve received and in particular that of Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack who clearly shares the community’s bold vision for the revitalisation of White City,”
“I would also like to thank the Federal Member for Wentworth, Dave Sharma, for his ongoing support and for seeing the wonderful benefits to the community that this project will provide.” Mr Lowy said.
Dave Sharma said “I am very pleased that the site at White City will now be put to good use, as a community and sporting asset open to all, and congratulate Hakoah for the vision they have shown in this transformational project.”
Mr Lowy added that “the excitement and generosity already shown by the community, and now backed by the Federal Government, reinforces that this community facility is sorely needed and strongly supported. This contribution gives us the impetus to launch a final fundraising effort to get the project underway.”
The substantial majority of funding for the project will be donated by the Sydney Jewish community. With a large part of the community funds required already pledged, a broader communal membership and fundraising campaign is expected to take place later this year to complete the necessary fundraising.
Mr Lowy urged the community to now get behind the project in this final phase of fundraising and membership drive.
“There remains much work still to be done prior to construction starting, and we are hopeful that we will be in a position to commence work on site later this year,” Mr Lowy said.
The plan provides for the conservation and re-adaptation of the historic southern grandstand at White City, the former home of Tennis NSW, and venue of many historic tennis events, including the Australian Open, Davis Cup, and New South Wales Open.
The project is expected to provide an economic impact estimated in excess of $100 million and will result in substantial employment during construction and the creation of new permanent jobs once the centre is operational.
About Hakoah
The Hakoah Club has a proud history in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, founded in 1938, having its home in Bondi from 1975 until 2009. The White City site was purchased in 2010. Hakoah is a not-for-profit community organisation, and any operating surpluses generated from the new Club premises and sports venues will be re-invested into community programs.
Click here to read the Federal Government’s press release.