Last minute proposal for Harold Park

The Kenealy government will give $10 million to property developer company Mirvac if it builds a disability sports centre in Harold Park raceway tram sheds.

The funding was allocated hours before the government went into ‘caretaker mode’ for the remainder of the term, in which it cannot allocate funding.

The site would provide facilities for Paralympians and other athletes, and is likely to have four basketball courts.

A spokesperson for the Member for Balmain Verity Firth said the money would also help restore the sheds, expected to cost $30 million.

Mirvac is yet to announce final plans for the use of the tram sheds, which have been earmarked to contain commercial retail space.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore joined Ms Firth at the tram sheds on Thursday to announce the proposal.

“The Government’s funding offer is an opportunity for public uses in the historic Tram Sheds. The local community will welcome this and I encourage Mirvac to review the proposal as it
continues its planning,” she said.

Ms Firth said there is great interest from people with disabilities in participating in high-level sporting activities.

“Even if you do not aspire to be a top level athlete, studies have shown that participation in
sport helps people with different needs feel fit, healthy and part of the community,” she said.

The money would come through the Lifetime Care and Support Authority, a NSW Government body that assists victims injured in motor vehicle accidents.

Greens candidate Jamie Parker, Firth’s major rival for the seat of Balmain, welcomed the proposal but had concerns for the site.

“I … encourage both the Lord Mayor and Labor MP Verity Firth to look at the bigger picture of the Harold Park development and significantly reduce its bulk, scale and traffic impacts,” he said.

Community Groups the Glebe Society and Glebe Chamber of Commerce have said retail in the tram sheds would harm the businesses and amenity of the area.

By Lawrence Bull