Cronulla Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta has shared the plans for the Sharks Leagues Club’s new home has now been finalised and that it is one step closer to begin construction.
“We’re pleased to be able to advise that Novm, the developer, has continued to progress the works they are required to complete prior to handing back to us the Leagues Club premises to enable us to proceed with construction of the new Leagues Club,” he wrote in a recent club update.
“We have also finalised our plans for the Leagues Club and have taken steps to ensure we will be able to progress construction of the Leagues Club once Novm, the Developer, has completed the works they are required to do.”
Originally scheduled to be completed by February 2022, the new home of the Cronulla Sharks has been under construction since the end of 2019 when the doors to the original clubhouse closed. It is being built as part of the Woolooware Bay Town Centre, comprising retail, residential, hotel, multi-storey car park, and the Leagues Club.
However, extensive delays have prevented the club from moving forward with its building plans. The club cannot begin construction and fitout until the developers return the ownership of the site back to the club.
“As many following this project may know, some of the factors which have combined to considerably delay the construction and completion of the Leagues Club – other than weather, COVID etc – have been partly as a result of the original agreement dating back to 2012,” Mezzatesta said.
Despite this, Mezzatesta is cautiously optimistic that the club will be able to begin soon.
“With over 500 new residents starting to move in, the precinct is set to become an even more vibrant and lively destination, boosting the performance of local shops and restaurants … all we need now is a thriving Leagues Club to round out this exciting new community. Rest assured everyone is focussed on delivering what we believe will be the jewel in the crown of the Town Centre precinct and for our community,” he said.
“As stated, this is still a work in progress with the developer required to complete works prior to handing back to us the Leagues Club premises to enable us to proceed with construction of the new Leagues Club.”
Since the closure of the original club premises, members have been calling Sharks at Kareela their home. It was the result of the amalgamation of Sharks Leagues Club and Kareela Golf Club.