Stadium, entertainment centre and … hotel precinct? The NSW Government’s decision to change legislation means this could become a hub for visitor and residential accommodation. Photo: Keeli Dyson.
Wollongong’s accommodation woes may have received an unexpected solution.
The NSW Government plans to amend the Sporting Venues Authorities Act, allowing for the development of visitor and residential accommodation on Venues NSW land, which was previously prohibited.
In the Illawarra, Venues NSW owns and operates WIN Stadium and WIN Entertainment Centre, both of which are significant contributors to the region’s visitor economy.
A lack of hotel accommodation has often meant that, despite the region attracting large events, visitors have to stay in Sydney and surrounding areas.
As a result hospitality and tourism operators don’t get as much of the pie as they could if visitors could stay, eat and shop locally.
The Venues NSW network of sporting and entertainment precincts comprises more than $4 billion of public community assets, which host some 500 major events.
Sport, Jobs and Tourism Minister Steve Kamper said the change presented a massive opportunity.
“This one small change will have a lasting impact which will unlock the potential of our state’s premier stadiums and entertainment centres as vibrant and cohesive precincts, building on the Government’s decision to increase the concert cap at our stadia,” he said.
“NSW needs 40,000 hotel rooms in the next decade if we are to reach our visitor economy targets and the need for more housing is challenge across the state.
“What better way of realising our targets than by providing new hotel and residential offerings on the surplus lands of our favourite sport and entertainment venues?”
Destination Wollongong has welcomed the proposal.
General manager Jeremy Wilshire said the reform created a long-awaited opportunity to optimise the WIN Entertainment Centre and Stadium precinct, one of Wollongong’s most important economic and community hubs.
“As an iconic regional hub, you have to accommodate people if you’re actively chasing major events,” he said.
“It’s part of the city’s lifeblood.
“There is a hotel shortage in Wollongong and it makes perfect sense to address this need in a precinct that routinely attracts big crowds.
“We need the WEC, WIN Stadium and, potentially, a convention centre to be modern, class-leading assets.
“There’s no point getting dressed up for a ball if you’re missing a shoe. But this helps, and it has to be paid for somehow.”
Destination Wollongong, in partnership with Wollongong City Council, will deliver a Hotel Demand Study within the next month, forecasting the city’s accommodation needs through to 2041.
The study will also help inform state-level thinking, including the NSW Government’s target of delivering an additional 10,000 hotel rooms in regional NSW by 2035.
“An entertainment precinct obviously has to offer a diverse and vibrant experience during major events, but it is just as critical to judge the site on its relevance and enrichment of the local community on its quietest days,” Mr Wilshire said.
“With the right planning and the right private-sector partnerships, Wollongong can turn this precinct into an activated, seven-day-a-week destination that supports events, boosts local businesses and strengthens the visitor economy.
“We look forward to working with council, Venues NSW and the NSW Government to help shape that future.”
The Property Council of Australia also backs the reform, saying it’s a smart, practical reform that will boost jobs, investment and tourism across the state.
Property Council NSW executive director Anita Hugo said the reform made sense for both the economy and the community.
“This is a sensible, future-focused move that recognises the value of integrating accommodation, entertainment and transport,” Ms Hugo said.
“Unlocking land around venues like these will help those precincts grow as entertainment hubs and employment centres, creating new opportunities for local businesses and the visitor economy.”
