Cromer Park has seen the completion of a $2 million redevelopment for its famous precinct in the Northern Beaches suburb of Sydney.
Funding of $500,000 was secured via the Community Development Grants Program and a further $20,000 was secured through the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership.
In addition, the combined efforts of home tenants Manly Warringah Football Association, Manly United FC and Manly Warringah District Football Club meant that the long-awaited upgrades to Cromer Park’s facilities were ensured.
Manly Warringah Football Association CEO David Mason was delighted to have finalised the upgrades for Cromer Park.
“The redevelopment of the Manly Warringah Football Club has been on the agenda for the best part of a decade with various projects and plans considered to rejuvenate the facility,” he said.
“The latest plans started three years ago when all football bodies on the Northern Beaches came together to prioritise the project.
“Funding from the football community was put in place and when we received a $500,000 from the Australian Government through the Community Development Grants Program it gathered serious momentum. Construction on the project started in January 2021 and was completed on time and on budget in 6 months.
“We have designed and constructed a facility that makes Cromer Park the true ‘Home of Football’ on the Northern Beaches.”
Building ‘Homes of Football’ is one of five key infrastructure priorities identified by Football NSW in their Infrastructure Strategy document. Homes of Football are essential to improving access to football programs, pathways and development services across the association.
“The Manly Warringah Football Club includes a modern Social Club that will be for the use of the entire Manly Warringah football community and the general public with café, bistro and bar facilities as well as function and meeting rooms for the MWFA clubs, Manly United and registered footballers,” Mason continued.
“We have also constructed a first-class physiotherapy, injury rehabilitation and gymnasium for the Manly Warringah football community and upgraded the administration offices for the MWFA and Manly United.
“The Manly Warringah Football Club is now a first-class community facility providing a focal point and meeting place for the football community for years and generations to come.
“This project has been the culmination of many years of planning and collaboration from all members of the Northern Beaches football community that has been made possible by funding from the Australian and NSW Governments as well as money that has been raised and contributed by the football community.
“It is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when football works cohesively and collaborates with all stakeholders in a unified way to bring to life a vision and dream.”
Prior to the upcoming 2022 season, Cromer Park No.1 will also receive an upgrade to its synthetic surface after Northern Beaches Council were successful in the recent Greater Cities Sports Facility Fund – Round 1.
