THIRROUL’S Thomas Gibson Park is set for a makeover, with Wollongong City Council awarding the tender for the construction of new amenities at the iconic northern suburbs sporting hub.

Home to the Thirroul Butchers senior and junior rugby league clubs, and a host of other grass roots sporting organisations for more than 50 years, the outdated facility fails to cater for the huge growth in female participation in sport, including rugby league.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown said the current facilities have been deemed not fit for purpose in meeting the growing need for all-gender amenities.

“Across the board, we’re seeing a rapid growth in the participation of women and girls in community sport, whatever the code,” she said.

“It’s vitally important that amenities, particularly those constructed long before this was the case, are upgraded to meet this need and ensure equitable access to sporting facilities and participation.

“We are excited to see work begin this project to give this much-loved community sporting hub a new lease on life.”

The demolition of the current building, including the Aaron Beath Stand, and construction of new facilities will see the installation of six public amenities (including accessible and ambulant toilets), all-gender team change rooms, a referees’ room, and first aid room, while new canteen facilities will also provide safer food storage and service.

The replacement amenities will ensure the building is compliant with current accessibility standards and can adequately service the adjacent sports fields, especially on game days during the winter sports period.

The replacement facility is jointly funded by Wollongong City Council in conjunction with a $1,000,000 contribution from the NSW Government through the NSW Office of Sport’s – Level the Playing Field program.

Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, said the project demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to removing barriers to sporting participation, particularly for female athletes, across the state.

“Everyone deserves to be able to take part in sport and be active in an environment that makes them feel comfortable and supported to do so,” he said.

“Greater equality in sport and recreation benefits everyone and I look forward to seeing how these facilities support increased participation from the grassroots and beyond.”

Temporary amenities will be in place throughout the construction, with the replacement building increasing the floor space to about 100sqm. Upgraded walkways will provide improved accessibility, with a large awning to provide (145m2) shelter for spectators.

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