Major $17 Million Investment for Wollongong's WIN Stadium Precinct Revamp
The Minns Government has announced a significant $17 million commitment to advance the planning stages of a transformative redevelopment for Wollongong's WIN Stadium precinct. This substantial funding injection, revealed on Friday, January 23, 2026, is set to catalyse both job creation and economic growth across the Illawarra region.
Economic and Employment Benefits for the Region
According to official statements from the NSW Government, this ambitious precinct redevelopment is projected to deliver approximately $550 million in economic benefits to the local economy. The project is expected to support more than 600 full-time positions, with up to 1100 roles created throughout the construction and operational phases. This represents a substantial boost for Wollongong's workforce and business community.
NSW Premier Chris Minns emphasised that the enhanced precinct would provide compelling new reasons for visitors to come to Wollongong, thereby stimulating tourism and local spending.
Transforming the Sports and Entertainment Hub
The planned world-class sports and entertainment precinct will feature a completely new WIN Arena, designed to replace the existing WIN Entertainment Centre. This new facility will boast a dramatically increased capacity of 9500 spectators, nearly doubling the current venue's 5300-seat limit.
Simultaneously, WIN Stadium itself will undergo comprehensive renovations, including:
- A brand new northern grandstand
- An extended and reconfigured southern grandstand
- Modernised player changerooms to accommodate the growth of both men's and women's sports across the region and state
The beachside complex within the precinct will also incorporate a cafe, kiosk, and versatile multi-purpose spaces suitable for functions and special events, enhancing its year-round appeal.
Enhanced Facilities for Major Events
For supporters of the St George Illawarra Dragons and other major event attendees, the redevelopment includes crucial upgrades to stadium infrastructure. These improvements encompass:
- State-of-the-art scoreboard and ribbon boards
- Advanced sports lighting systems
- Upgraded stadium sound systems
These enhancements are expected to help Wollongong's CBD attract up to 150 events annually, positioning the city as a premier destination for sports and entertainment.
Funding Allocation and Project Timeline
It is important to note that the $17 million announced will not directly fund construction activities. Instead, these resources will be allocated towards:
- Detailed architectural designs
- Comprehensive environmental and engineering reports
- Development of a robust construction tender
The government has not yet specified whether the existing WIN Entertainment Centre will be demolished and rebuilt or undergo extensive renovation, leaving this aspect of the project's future currently uncertain.
Political Context and Local Advocacy
This announcement follows years of advocacy for upgrades to the WIN Entertainment Centre. Wollongong MP Paul Scully, now serving as Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, has been a long-term campaigner for the venue's improvement. During his 2016 Wollongong by-election campaign, he was part of a Labor pledge for a $50 million upgrade should the party win government.
Minister Scully stated that this redevelopment would "elevate Wollongong's events and visitor economy" and transform the area from a part-time venue into a full-time destination for sports, entertainment, functions, and community activities.
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park described the development as a genuine game-changer for the region, asserting that the new world-class precinct would position Wollongong as a global sporting and entertainment destination, attracting increased tourism and investment to the already thriving area.
The redevelopment plan notably does not include provisions for additional car parking facilities, which may require complementary infrastructure planning as the project progresses.
