The NSW Minister for Sport, Stephen Kamper MP joined Cricket NSW CEO, Lee Germon at a ceremony to mark the completion of most Stage Two works on the $80 million Building a Brighter Future for Cricket Project, providing world class facilities for community and elite sport in the heart of Sydney.

Among the $20 million in facilities delivered via Stage Two are a new two storey cricket learning and community centre and second field for community use. The new additions enhance the utility of Cricket Central and the broader Wilson Park precinct, maximising its value as an inclusive, accessible and vibrant sporting hub.

Elite match level lighting on the ICC-compliant main oval and training level lighting for the outdoor practice nets will be completed by October 2026. These further enhancements will facilitate cricket’s growing playing, training and program offerings, while also ensuring equal access and opportunities are provided to all, including women and girls.

The Stage Two works build on the impressive $60 million Stage One facilities opened in 2022, which has enabled Cricket Central to become an accessible hub for community participants, elite players and the Cricket NSW administration alike.

The built-for-purpose facility houses an ICC-compliant oval, 43 outdoor net lanes, 15 indoor nets, 15 meeting rooms, a gym, lecture theatre, function facilities, medical rooms, library, cafe and a modern office, and has been recognised among the best sporting hubs in the country.

Stages One and Two of the Cricket Central development have been made possible by landmark investments from the NSW Government and its entities including the Sydney Olympic Park Authority, NSW Office of Sport and Venues NSW, alongside the Federal Government, Cricket Australia and direct funding from Cricket NSW.

Stephen Kamper, Minister for Sport, NSW Government, said:

“Cricket Central will be a gamechanger for grassroots and elite cricket in NSW.

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on our grassroots sporting communities, and the new multi-purpose community facility and oval will help bridge the gap between elite and grassroots cricket.

“With more than 35,000 club and community cricketers expected to use the facility annually, the benefits to the sport will be felt right across Sydney.”

Paul Scully, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, NSW Government, said:

“This project has brought yet another world-class sporting facilities into Sydney Olympic Park’s public spaces, continuing the legacy of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

“The precinct will be both a home for elite cricket and inclusive and accessible hub for the wider community.

“Cricket Central will deliver lasting benefits by creating a destination where sport, community and open space come together.”

Lee Germon, Cricket NSW Chief Executive Officer, said:

“Cricket Central’s world class facilities are the envy not only of Australian Cricket, but sports across the country and many parts of the world.

“It is a privilege to have a home such as this for our sport in NSW, providing access and opportunity for the community and our elite athletes alike.