Belmore Sports Ground is in the spotlight, once again. Earlier in March, former State Minister for Sport, Mr Alister Henskens, joined Liberal candidate for the neighbouring electorate of Holsworthy, Ms Tina Ayyad, to announce a new project at the historic venue. Plans to construct a Centre of Excellence at Belmore Sports Ground have been given a boost by a grant from the NSW Government’s Centre of Excellence Fund.
Mr Steven Cataldi, Founding Member of the Executive Committee of Back to Belmore, said that the project was crucial for future economic growth and jobs in the Canterbury-Bankstown district. “Not only will we soon have a wonderful new Centre of Excellence open, but its construction will also provide a massive boost to our local economy at a time when we need it most,” said Mr Cataldi.
Mr Luke Brailey, Patron of Back to Belmore, praised the initiative and said it would be a focal point for everyone connected with the Bulldogs and the wider community. Whilst the grant is a big step forward and is welcomed by the Back to Belmore committee, Mr Brailey adds “but The Centre of Excellence won’t get the club to a point where it can play more NRL games at that site.”Â
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs club is currently contracted to play the bulk of their NRL games at Accor Stadium until 2030. However, the staging of games at Belmore Sports Ground and the restoration of Belmore Sports Ground are two independent matters. The venue in its present condition has its limitations and cannot sustain multiple NRL games.
“The venue in its current state can only sustain a certain amount of bandwidth and activity,” said Mr Brailey. “In order for the venue to accommodate more NRL games, a significant upgrade is required, and this can only happen through a cohesive business plan that the club needs to put together, engaging with all stakeholders.”
Initial reports suggest the land at Belmore can accommodate a 20,000-seat-plus stadium.
National Rugby League’s acting CEO, Mr Andrew Abdo, attended the Multicultural round at Belmore Sports Ground on Sunday 19 March, which indicates to the community that the NRL is supportive of the suburban grounds.
Back to Belmore have expressed multiple times that Belmore Sports Ground should be given equal consideration as other historic venues. In 2017, a young 24-year-old Hamza Anwar stated to the Sydney Morning Herald, “I played two grand finals there myself. I have both on tape. The ground brings people together. It’s got a lot of history in terms of rugby league itself. It’s in the heart of the Canterbury-Bankstown district. Not only having the Bulldogs there, but also having the place as a multipurpose sporting facility, I feel like it binds the community together. It offers a pathway for local footballers to follow their dreams. The Bulldogs playing there is an added bonus.” It is apparent this sentiment is still supported by Back to Belmore, who have been campaigning for the restoration of the ground since 2005.
Although the Centre of Excellence is expected to provide significant economic benefits to the region, including job creation and increased tourism, it does not address the long-standing issue of restoring the grounds. It seems quite excessive that for 18 years, Back to Belmore have been demanding a better level of care for Belmore Sports Ground to further provide a ground where their local team can, and should, play their NRL games with no limitations.
What do the local community think about restoring Belmore Sports Ground? Write your replies to: info@keepingnewslocal.com.au