Federal government chips in $7.5million to the Hakoah building fund
The Federal Government has announced a grant of $7.5 million towards the planned multi-faceted community and sports hub at Sydney’s White City being developed by the Hakoah Club.
Dave Sharma addresses the Hakoah AGM shortly after the $7.5million announcement
This grant is a welcome boost towards the $65 million required to transform the dilapidated tennis complex in Paddington into the new centre.
During this evening’s AGM on Zoom Hakoah president Steven Lowy and Federal MP for Wentworth Dave Sharma took the approach of Pesach to state “Next Year in White City” referring to a hoped-for busy construction site,
Steven Lowy addresses the AGM
Planned is 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 Steven Lowy 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.”
Steven 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.
Steven Lowy urged the community to now get behind the project in this final phase of fundraising and membership drive.
He added: “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.”
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.
More to come
