Мэр Inner West предупредил застройщика: сокращение клуба «Тигров» в проекте Rozelle Village нарушит условия госодобрения

INNER WEST Mayor Darcy Byrne has warned the developer behind the $285 million Rozelle Village project that the approved Tigers Leagues Club must be delivered in full, saying any attempt to scale it back would breach NSW Government approval conditions. Inner West Council has written to the developer PERIFA amid concerns the approved club could be reduced in size or operated by an organisation other than Wests Ashfield Leagues Club. Construction of the housing and retail project is under way at the location of the former Balmain Leagues Club on Victoria Road, where the Tigers team starring Benji Marshall celebrated their grand final victory in 2005, joined by thousands of jubilant fans. Mayor Byrne says the long-awaited new club for Tigers supporters and the community is not an optional extra. “For more than 15 years the local community has fought to ensure a club for Tigers supporters remained at the heart of this redevelopment,” he said. “The NSW Government approval is clear – the development must include a 2,800-square-metre registered club operated by Wests Ashfield Leagues Club. That commitment must be honoured. “Any attempt to replace Wests Ashfield Leagues Club with another operator, or to reduce the size of the approved club, will be fought tooth and nail by the council and the wider Tigers supporter base. “Having fought so long for this club to be delivered, we simply will not allow it to be taken away at the last moment. “The redevelopment at Rozelle is scheduled to be completed at about the same time as the renovated Leichhardt Oval will re-open. “This is a huge opportunity for a renaissance of the Tigers in Rozelle and Leichhardt, and we refuse to let that opportunity be wasted.” Over many years, the council and residents successfully fought repeated attempts by several developers to remove the club component from redevelopment proposals. The club was a key part of the bargain that secured community and government support for the redevelopment. Residents were promised not just housing and shops, but a community hub where local residents could meet, gather and connect. In May 2025 the NSW Government approved the 16-storey Rozelle Village as a state significant development. The project includes 227 apartments, 59 affordable homes, retail and dining space, a supermarket, and a public plaza. Under the approval conditions, the redevelopment must include a registered club, operated by Wests Ashfield Leagues, as the successor to Balmain Leagues Club, across 2,800 square metres. Without success, Wests Ashfield has sought repeatedly to finalise an agreement with the developer at the Rozelle site. Any moves to reduce the floor space or install another club operator are understood to be in contravention of the conditions of the NSW Government approval. CHECK OUT THE LATEST EDITION OF THE WEEKLY TIMES BY CLICKING BELOW!