Moore Park Archives - Surry Hills News

Ageing Stands at Sydney Cricket Ground Highlight Urgent Need for Upgrades

The iconic Sydney Cricket Ground in Moore Park, one of Australia’s most treasured sporting venues, is set to undergo a significant transformation with a multimillion-dollar masterplan aimed at modernising its ageing infrastructure.

Outdated Facilities Drive the Need for Change

The O’Reilly, Brewongle, and Clive Churchill Stands at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), built in the early 1980s, have been identified as outdated and struggling to meet modern safety and amenity standards. This reality was starkly highlighted on 17 January 2025, when a piece of the O’Reilly Stand roof dislodged during a storm, forcing an evacuation.

Roof dislodged at the Sydney Cricket Ground on 17 January 2025 — *Photo Credit: Cricket Masters/Facebook*

These stands are older than Sydney Football Stadium, which was demolished and rebuilt in 2018 due to similar issues.

Venues NSW confirmed that a condition assessment of the three stands will begin this year as part of the project. While no immediate plans exist to increase the SCG’s current 48,000-seat capacity, experts suggest that redeveloping the O’Reilly Stand could add space for an additional 7,000 fans.

Recent events have highlighted the inadequacies of the SCG’s facilities. Crowds at sold-out matches, such as the Sydney Swans’ AFL games and the Sydney Test cricket match against India, have exposed congestion in concourses, long queues for food and beverages, and insufficient amenities.

Cricket NSW and the AFL have voiced their support for the redevelopment, citing the need to maintain the SCG’s reputation as a premier sporting destination.

Sydney Cricket Ground plans for redevelopment — *Photo Credit: Cricket NSW*

Potential Features of the Redevelopment

The masterplan, to be prepared soon, could include upgrades to the stands, modern fan facilities, and new entryways to accommodate future innovations, such as drop-in cricket pitches.

Currently, the SCG lacks the infrastructure for drop-in trays, but rebuilding the stands could enable their integration. The Entertainment Quarter near the SCG has been suggested as a site for growing these pitches.

A redevelopment of this scale could cost up to half a billion dollars, but proponents argue that the investment is vital. Cricket NSW highlighted that compared to venues like Perth’s Optus Stadium and Adelaide Oval, the SCG risks falling behind without significant upgrades.

Both cricket and AFL fans are central to the masterplan. The Swans continue to draw some of the largest AFL crowds in Sydney, and cricket officials emphasise that a modern Sydney Cricket Ground will enhance fan experience and help the venue compete on a global stage. Local residents and businesses in Moore Park also stand to benefit from improved facilities and increased foot traffic during events.

Published 24-January-2025

Historic Water Tunnel Prompts Major Changes to Moore Park Carpark Project

Photo Credit: BESIX Watpac

The discovery of a historic 19th-century water tunnel beneath Moore Park has led to significant changes in the design of the Allianz Stadium underground carpark.

The unexpected find of the heritage-listed Busby’s Bore has resulted in a redesign to ensure the tunnel remains undisturbed while accommodating the stadium’s parking needs.

Originally approved in 2022, the underground carpark was planned to include 1,500 spaces to support the 42,500-seat Allianz Stadium.

Moore Park carpark — *Photo Credit: Centennial Parklands*

However, during early construction, workers uncovered parts of Busby’s Bore, a tunnel built in the 1830s by convicts to provide Sydney with a reliable water supply. Recognised as a crucial piece of Sydney’s history, the tunnel is protected under state heritage laws.

Following the discovery, city authorities required the carpark design to be altered to preserve the tunnel’s integrity while continuing construction.

Sydney Football Stadium redevelopment proposal — *Photo Credit: SSD-9249-MOD-6*

Changes to the Carpark Design

To protect the heritage tunnel, Venues NSW, the agency responsible for the project, has introduced several modifications to the carpark layout under SSD-9835-Mod-10:

Plaza Adjustments: The outdoor plaza above the carpark will be redesigned to highlight the historic tunnel’s presence and ensure accessibility features align with the Everyone Can Play guidelines.

Deeper Excavation: The carpark will now be dug an additional three metres deeper on the western side to avoid the tunnel, which lies about two metres below the original design depth.

Additional Level: On the eastern side, an extra parking level will be added to compensate for space lost due to the redesign.

Space for Event Operations: Parking spaces originally planned for the mezzanine level will be removed and replaced with a new double-height area called a ‘boneyard,’ which will provide storage and staging space for event logistics.

Impact on Capacity and Timelines

As a result of these changes, the number of available parking spaces will decrease by 78 from the original 1,500. Venues NSW has yet to confirm whether this reduction will lead to alternative parking solutions or adjustments in traffic management around the stadium.

Project timelines are also under review. Officials have warned that further modifications could lead to delays and increased costs, although no final figures have been disclosed.

Allianz Stadium carpak proposal — *Photo Credit: SSD-9249-MOD-6*

Heritage Protection Measures

To ensure the tunnel remains intact, construction crews have established a protected zone around Busby’s Bore. Special monitoring equipment has also been installed to track vibrations and prevent potential damage during excavation.

What’s Next?

Sydney Football Stadium carpark — *Photo Credit: SSD-9835-MOD-7*

The revised plans are currently going through the necessary planning and approval processes. Once completed, the city officials will provide updated timelines and budget estimates. Meanwhile, work on sections not affected by the heritage discovery continues.

The Allianz Stadium redevelopment aims to balance the need for modern infrastructure with the preservation of Sydney’s historical landmarks, ensuring both functionality and heritage protection.

Published 22-Jan-2025

Moore Park Golf Course Plans Stir Up Community Conversation

A proposal to turn 20 hectares of Moore Park Golf Course into public parkland has kicked off plenty of chatter among locals and regular visitors.

Sitting in the city’s inner suburbs, Moore Park has become the centre of an ongoing debate about balancing open green space with existing recreational use.

Moore Park Plans — *Photo Credit: NSWGov/Moore Park Discussion Papers*

A Quick Look Back at Moore Park

Spanning 45 hectares, Moore Park Golf Course represents about 12% of the total Centennial Parklands. The proposal aims to repurpose the golf course’s western boundary and part of the land north of Dacey Avenue into parkland while keeping a 9-hole golf course, driving range, and clubhouse.

This change comes as areas like Waterloo, Zetland, and Green Square experience rapid population growth. Forecasts predict the local population will increase significantly by 2041, adding more pressure on public spaces.

The current lease for Moore Park Golf Course is set to expire in mid-2026, which aligns with the proposed timeline for the transformation.

Moore Park site analysis — *Photo Credit: NSW Gov/Moore Park Discussion Papers*

What’s in the Proposal?

Approximately $939,000 has been allocated for consultancy services to guide the transformation. The vision includes walking tracks, recreational facilities, and open green spaces aimed at addressing the growing need for public outdoor areas.

However, the Moore Park Golf Collective – made up of Golf Australia, PGA of Australia, Golf NSW, and Moore Park Golf Club – has countered with an alternative proposal. They suggest retaining an 18-hole course while slightly modifying it to free up about 15 hectares for public recreational use. Their plan includes tweaks to the driving range and course layout to incorporate walking tracks and play areas.

Moore Park plans for golf entertainment — *Photo Credit: NSW Gov/Moore Park Discussion Papers*

What Locals Are Saying

Community feedback so far has been mixed. Some residents see the transformation as a much-needed step towards more accessible green space in the city’s densely populated suburbs. Others, particularly golf enthusiasts, worry about the potential loss of a longstanding recreational facility.

Local forums and discussions have been lively, with residents voicing both excitement and concerns about how the changes might impact daily life and the park’s historical significance.

Moore Park recreational plans — *Photo Credit: NSW Gov/Moore Park Discussion Papers*

What Happens Next?

Community consultations are ongoing, and further engagement is planned for 2025 to ensure the final design reflects community needs and expectations.

Implementation of the proposed changes is expected to begin after the current lease ends in 2026.

At the end of the day, Moore Park sits at the heart of a broader conversation – how to balance history, recreation, and the growing needs of a busy city. The final outcome, it seems, is still unfolding.

Published 28-Dec-2024

Photo Credit: NSWGov/Moore Park Discussion Paper

Former Sydney Rooster James Maloney’s Missing Son Found Safe

In a dramatic turn of events that gripped the NSW Central Coast community, the missing 14-year-old son of former Sydney Roosters star James Maloney has been found safe following an intensive overnight search.

Read: Reimagining Moore Park South: What the Community Wants

Kade Maloney disappeared from his family’s Green Point home in the early hours of Sunday morning, sparking immediate concern. The teenager was last seen at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday. CCTV footage later revealed that he purchased a train ticket at Gosford station at 1:51 a.m. on Sunday.

The search intensified as his parents, James and Jess Maloney, took to social media with urgent appeals for public assistance. Their concern was heightened as Kade had taken his father’s phone, making direct contact with James impossible.

Community response and police action

NSW Police launched an extensive search operation, focusing on the area between the Central Coast and Penrith, where it was believed Kade might be headed. The community’s response was swift, with residents and social media users joining forces to share information and assist in the search efforts.

The family’s recent transition added another layer of complexity to the situation. The Maloneys had been in the process of relocating from Townsville to Sydney, following James Maloney’s departure from his role as assistant coach with the North Queensland Cowboys. This marked a new chapter for the family, who had previously lived in France during James’ stint with Catalans Dragons in the French league, part of the UK Super League.

Relief and gratitude

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A post shared by Jess Maloney (@jess_maloney88)

Late Sunday night, the tension broke when Jess Maloney confirmed through social media that Kade had been located and was safe with family friends. “Thank you to everyone who has helped to find him, offered support, and shared this post to get it out to as many people as possible,” she wrote, expressing the family’s profound relief and gratitude.

NSW Police echoed these sentiments, thanking both the media and the community for their instrumental role in locating the teenager. “Great news! A 14-year-old boy reported missing from Green Point has been located safe and well,” their statement confirmed.

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James Maloney, NRL icon

James Maloney, a rugby league icon, enjoyed an illustrious 11-year NRL career, playing for several prominent clubs including the Melbourne Storm, New Zealand Warriors, Sydney Roosters, Cronulla Sharks, and Penrith Panthers. His notable achievements include securing premiership victories with the Roosters in 2013 and the Sharks in 2016, along with a grand final appearance with the Warriors in 2011.

Published 23-December-2024

Reimagining Moore Park South: What the Community Wants

Moore Park South is set to undergo an exciting transformation, with plans guided by feedback from thousands of community members and stakeholders. Earlier this month, the Future of Moore Park South – What We Heard report was released, highlighting ideas for reshaping the area to better serve the needs of the community while preserving its unique character.

Read: Moore Park Golf Course Announces Bold Expansion Plan

Moore Park South encompasses the Moore Park Golf Course and Golf House, the historic Toll House, and the ES Marks Athletics Field. The consultation revealed strong support for making the space more accessible and versatile, with a focus on informal recreation, connecting with nature, and creating spaces for people to gather, exercise, and relax.

A Park for Everyone

The community expressed a desire for Moore Park South to become a place where people can unwind and enjoy everyday activities. Suggestions included:

Tracks for walking, running, and cycling.
Dog-friendly areas, including enclosed off-leash zones.
Nature play areas for children and peaceful spaces for relaxation.
Facilities for picnics, barbecues, and informal gatherings.
Outdoor gym equipment, yoga platforms, and meditation areas.
Community gardens and informal sports facilities.

A majority of survey respondents wanted the area to support both active and passive recreation, creating opportunities to connect with others and the natural environment.

Reimagining Golf at Moore Park

Moore Park South — Photo credit: Des Don Paul/Google Maps

A key focus of the feedback was the future of the golf course, with ideas centered on balancing its role as a public facility while opening up the area for broader community use. Of those surveyed, 55 percent supported retaining the 18-hole course, while others showed interest in a scaled-back option with added features.

Proposals for enhancing the golf offering included:

A 9-hole course that allows more space for other park uses.
An upgraded driving range with advanced technology to attract a wider audience.
New activities such as mini-golf, disc-golf, and night-golf to cater to diverse groups.

The reimagined golf facilities aim to make the sport more inclusive, affordable, and accessible while integrating seamlessly into the larger park vision.

Moving Forward

Preliminary design and planning for the transformation of Moore Park South are already underway, informed by the themes and priorities outlined in the recent report. NSW has committed $2.6 million in the 2024-25 Budget for preliminary design and planning works.

The project is expected to deliver a space that balances recreational opportunities with habitat preservation, ensuring a vibrant and welcoming environment for everyone.

Read: Moore Park Entertainment Plans Scaled Back After Resident Backlash

As Moore Park South evolves, the goal is to create a destination that brings people together, celebrates nature, and offers something for all ages and interests. This shared vision promises to turn the area into a much-loved community asset for generations to come.

Published 18-December-2024

Swans vs Lions: Dominant Sydney Look to End AFL Grand Final Woes

Minor premiers Sydney Swans will look to cap off their dominant season with a grand final victory against a resilient Brisbane Lions outfit on Saturday, 28 September, and break their recent grand final curse. Swans vs Lions kick off 2:30 p.m. at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Read: Surry Hills to Host Free Street Festival as Part of Sydney’s Neighbourhood Celebration Series

One for history

This year’s grand final marks a significant milestone in AFL history—a rematch 125 years in the making. The last time these two clubs faced off for the flag was in 1899, when they were known as South Melbourne and Fitzroy.

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Now, as the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions, they’ll battle for supremacy in the first grand final since 2006 to not feature a Victorian team.

The pre-game entertainment, headlined by international pop star Katy Perry, is expected to start between 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Fans can catch the action live on Channel Seven and 7Plus.

Swans vs Lions

The Swans have been a force to be reckoned with throughout the 2024 season, finishing with an impressive 17-6 record and claiming the minor premiership in dominant fashion.

Their preliminary final performance against Port Adelaide showcased their full potential, with a commanding 14.11 (95) to 8.11 (59) victory against a team that finished just four points behind.

While the Swans enter as minor premiers, they’ll be wary of their recent record against the Lions. Brisbane has won the last three encounters, including a narrow two-point victory earlier this season.

An All-Australian midfield trio

The Swans’ midfield hydra of Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, and Errol Gulden has been the lynchpin of the team’s success. All three earned All-Australian selection and have combined for an impressive 82 goals this season.

Sydney’s performance in the grand final hinges on the trio, with the Swans boasting a 15-2 record when the bevy scores three or more goals collectively.

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However, Sydney faces a significant blow with captain Callum Mills ruled out due to a hamstring strain. Coach John Longmire made the difficult decision on Wednesday not to risk Mills, leaving the Swans without their on-field leader for the grand final.

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Both teams carry the weight of recent grand final defeats. The Swans are looking to bounce back from their 2022 loss, while the Lions aim to overcome their heartbreaking four-point defeat in 2023.

While the Swans have a more recent premiership than the Lions, having won in 2012, they’ve experienced the sting of defeat in three deciders since then. This match presents a golden opportunity for Sydney to break their grand final voodoo once and for all.

Published 25-September-2024

Sydney Swans HQ Opens State-of-the-Art Training and Community Center in Moore Park

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Sydney Swans/Facebook

The highly anticipated Sydney Swans HQ and Community Centre in Moore Park has been inaugurated, marking a significant milestone for the $70 million project, which transformed the iconic Royal Hall of Industries building into a cutting-edge training and community facility.

Formerly known as the show bag pavilion, the renovated building now serves as a world-class home for the Sydney Swans men’s and women’s teams, as well as the QBE Sydney Swans Academy. Beyond catering to the needs of the football club, the facility also offers a space for Sydney Swans members and is open for community use.

The Sydney Swans HQ and Community Centre boasts an impressive array of features. It houses an indoor training field, a gym, a wet recovery area, and medical facilities. The premises also include a retail store, a commercial kitchen, a media studio, an auditorium, a learning center, and office spaces.

Additionally, a rooftop terrace allows for a scenic and relaxing atmosphere. The adjacent newly constructed building features an international standard multi-purpose indoor sports court.

In a testament to its commitment to community engagement, the Sydney Swans HQ and Community Centre is not solely dedicated to the football club. It also accommodates the GO Foundation, the Clontarf Foundation, and Lifeblood’s largest donor center in Sydney’s east. Furthermore, 98 Gym and Hoops Capital, the owners of the Sydney Kings and Flames basketball teams, have also found a home within the facility.

The successful completion of this ambitious project was made possible through various sources of funding. The Federal Government contributed $15 million, while the NSW Government invested $26 million. The AFL added $6 million to the endeavor, and the remaining costs were covered by the Sydney Swans Foundation and the generosity of club donors.

The opening ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns. Their presence emphasized the significance of the Sydney Swans HQ and Community Centre as a symbol of sporting excellence, community support, and the cooperative efforts between various levels of government and private stakeholders.

Published 3 July 2023

Will Mary’s Move Its Live Music Venue To Moore Park?

Months after bidding farewell to the Lansdowne Hotel, it appears that the team at Mary’s will soon find a new home at Moore Park’s emerging Entertainment Quarter.

Read: Heritage-Listed Bar Broadway Hotel on the Market After 20 Years

Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham, the folks behind Mary’s, are known for reviving The Lansdowne Hotel, when they transformed it into an epic music venue back in 2017.

However, the team was forced to exit the iconic Chippendale venue last April after their lease expired earlier in 2022, with landlords announcing plans to replace the pub’s venue with additional hostel accommodation.

mary's group — Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham (Photo credit: @marysgetfat/Instagram)

The pub’s loyal followers expect that the team will be back with a new venue, after promising that they will ‘continue to build stages and create spaces for the voices of our glorious city to emerge.’

As for the reported move to Moore Park, a spokesperson for the team could not confirm anything at the moment, since nothing has been signed yet but word has it that the group is reportedly setting their eyes on two sites at the Entertainment Quarter.

Moore Park’s Entertainment Quarter serves as Sydney’s landmark live entertainment venue and as a leisure and retail precinct, featuring cinemas, restaurants, bars, commercial and recreation outlets.

One of the highlights at EQ is The Showring, an exceptional outdoor performance and event space, and the home of weekly and monthly markets.

If plans pushed through, Mary’s would be a welcome addition to the Entertainment Quarter, which is already home to the likes of Academy Ballet and the local pub Watson’s which can accommodate up to 400 guests.

The EQ, located at Bent Street in Moore Park, is immediately adjacent to the Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney Football Stadium, Fox Studios, The Hordern Pavilion and The Royal Hall of Industries.

New Proposal Could Impact Revitalisation of Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park

The planned $2-billion revitalisation of the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park could be clipped if the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust proposal, which would slash leases in the precinct from 99 years to 50 years, pushes through.

According to Max “the Axe” Moore-Wilton, the spokesperson for the developer consortium Carsingha Investments, the proposal will impact Entertainment Quarter’s “unique selling proposition negotiations,” as shorter leases can reduce the precinct’s redevelopment viability or turn off major capital investments. As a result, EQ could “remain under-utilised and unchanged.”

Those who oppose the new bill, however, are concerned that the redevelopment will strip the community of vital green spaces.

Sam Romaniuk, the co-chief executive of EQ, said in an opinion piece that the plan does not include more towers or apartments. The group actually plans to put up an open-design competition “to ensure we create something that will be the envy of the world.”

Carsingha Investments laid out its plans to transform the Entertainment Quarter into a world-class sports and entertainment precinct that will attract new investors, generate thousands of jobs, and provide for the recreational needs of Sydney’s diverse communities.

The bold proposal includes changes that will boost film and television, creative arts, live performance, sports and major events, as well as increase the community facilities.

“The EQ precinct has struggled ever since the old Showground site and its buildings was first leased out under the Carr Government in 1998,” the developer consortium stated.

“Since then, two other groups (Lendlease, Colonial First State) have tried but been unable to make the precinct viable due to the constraints governing the site.

“We believe that to fulfil its true potential, EQ requires a comprehensive reinvention to provide a precinct that can support and elevate Sydney’s cultural and entertainment industries.

“EQ is in discussions with the NSW Government to create a regulatory environment that will allow EQ to not only work but thrive.”

Public consultations for the redevelopment have occurred for more than three years. According to a September 2021 EQ Community Research, 71 percent of the community want to experience these changes, whilst 25 per cent were undecided and five per cent opposed the proposal.

In November, the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Bill 2021 passed the NSW Legislative Assembly and also passed the Legislative Council in March 2022. The bill will be forwarded to the Governor for assent before the proclamation.

New Hollywood? Marvel Filming Moving to Moore Park Studios

Moore Park is set to be in the spotlight in the next few years as it becomes the new Hollywood hub. Big studios from the United States, including Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), are set to move their production to the suburb’s studios.

Reports cited that Marvel boss Kevin Feige wants the MCU to relocate to Moore Park in the next five years. At least four productions are already planned whilst more movies and television shows are still in development:

Guardians Of The Galaxy 3 (Chris Pratt)
Captain Marvel sequel (Brie Larson)
Dr Strange sequel (Benedict Cumberbatch)
Black Panther sequel

Fox Studios Australia’s head office in Moore Park is on Driver Avenue but it has nine massive sound stages for hire by local or international productions. Filming Disney/MCU movies in any of these sound stages is done using green screen technology. According to reports, most of these facilities are fully booked for the next two years.

The Moore Park site is also within walking distance of The Entertainment Quarter, the precinct that has heaps of bars, cafes, restaurants, and other retail stores, which are projected to get more business when Hollywood moves in.

The MCU previously filmed in Georgia, Atlanta, and London in the U.K. but a source from the studio said that Mr Feige wants Sydney to be their new home. A major reason for the move is due to productions shutting down in the U.S. and the U.K. as their COVID-19 cases have yet to go down.

Other Hollywood megastars like Jennifer Lawrence, Julia Roberts and Sean Penn are coming to Sydney in the next few weeks as well.

Ms Lawrence is filming the Fantastic Four franchise reboot under the MCU, whilst Ms Roberts and Mr Penn are working on a TV show, titled Gaslit, with Australian actor-brothers Joel and Nash Edgerton.