Two Development Applications (DA) approved for

BlacktownOlympic Park expansion

Council has approved two development applications (DAs) for the expansion of Blacktown Olympic Park (Eastern Road, Rooty Hill) into a major sports precinct.

The two DA's sets out the $30 million development works program that will transform over 21 hectares of the Blacktown Olympic Park into a major Australian Football League (AFL) and Cricket NSW sporting precinct.

One DA details site works, which include drainage, site preparation, utilities infrastructure, lighting and parking spaces for 180 vehicles.

The second DA covers the construction of two ovals, a 1,500 seat grandstand, associated player / official and media facilities, an indoor sports practice centre, an outdoor sports practice centre, a function room, kiosk, landscaping and signage works.

When complete the new facilities will allow major AFL and Cricket games and other events to be held at the Centre complementing the existing softball, baseball and athletic facilities at Blacktown Olympic Park.

Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Leo Kelly, OAM said the new sporting precinct will position Blacktown City strongly as a a major sporting Centre significantly enhancing the City's already strongfocus as a centre for Sporting Excellence .

"The Centre will cater for the future of AFL in Western Sydney and the second AFL team in Western Sydney that was recently announced by AFL (NSW/ACT)".

"Blacktown Olympic Park's reputation for world-class facilities and grounds since the 2000 Olympics has further elevated its profile around the globe and it has become the training venue of choice for a number of international sports groups. These future developments at the Olympic Park

further extend Council's commitment to sport and our reputation as a sporting centre", Mayor Kelly said.

The site when complete will also include 16 parallel cricket nets for training and an overflow site for car parking during major events.

Oval 1 where the 1,500 seat grandstand will feature, will also have the provision to provide a further 8,500 seats around the oval on grassed embankments, catering for 10,000 people during large-scale events, with potential for future expansion.

The $30 million development will also utilise environmental design aspects, with the Indoor Sports Practice Centre incorporating solar energy, which increase the energy efficiency of the site and will reduce long-term operational costs for the Centre.

An Offsetting Strategy will also be in place, which includes a combination of different approaches to achieve a positive environmental outcome for both the site and surrounding areas, including planting additional native trees ands shrubs.

Work on the development of the Centre is expected to commence in late 2008.