Sharks Leagues Club Development Plan

[SF]

Sharks Leagues Club Development Plan approved

Planning Minister, Frank Sartor, has approved a plan for the development of a site at the heart of the Sutherland Shire’s culture and history – the Sharks Leagues Club.

Minister Sartor today announced he had approved a new Local Environmental Plan for the development of the site, otherwise known as the Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club.

After imposing a number of conditions, the Minister said he was satisfied the decision balanced the future of the club with protection of the sensitive local environment.

“Nothing unites a local community more than its football club and the Shire has a long and proud history of barracking for the blue, black and white,” Mr Sartor said.

“Council approached the State Government, seeking approval for a Local Environmental Plan to allow for development on-site, as part of a plan for the club’s long-term future.

“This includes a possible conference centre, seniors’ housing, hotel accommodation, motel and shops on Captain Cook Drive at Woolooware.

“These changes, along with Council’s Development Control Plan, will ensure any development of the Cronulla-Sutherland Leagues Club is appropriate.”

The plan relates to the part of the site where the Leagues Club building and carpark are currently situated. Shark Park will not be affected.

The plan also includes:
• the construction of a 40 metre-wide environmental buffer to help protect the Towra Point Aquatic Reserve and Woolooware Bay; and
• at least five metres between any development and a public road, property boundary, public open space, environmental buffer or proposed open space.

Member for Miranda, Barry Collier, said the development was designed to generate local jobs, create extra community and recreational opportunities and potentially add important facilities for seniors.

“The State Government is working hard to improve job opportunities in the Sutherland Shire, including in Cronulla,” Mr Collier said.

“The Leagues Club has been an integral part of the Shire since it started trading in 1956, originally in rented premises at Caringbah.

“I am a strong supporter of the Sharks Club and its future viability is very important to many members of the Shire community.

“I support this development because of its potential benefits for job-seekers, families, seniors and sportspeople,” Mr Collier added.

Minister Sartor said the significant Towra Point Aquatic Reserve, the Towra Point Nature Reserve and Woolooware Bay had been taken into consideration.

Member for Menai, Alison Megarrity, said the reserve and bay were important habitat for migratory birds and other aquatic species, living in the mangroves and salt marsh.

“The Sutherland Shire is famous for its distinctive waterways and I congratulate the Minister for continuing to recognise their importance,” Ms Megarrity said.

“The LEP conditions acknowledge the sensitive foreshore location of the site and will help to protect some of the Shire’s most valuable assets.”

The Minister’s recent amendments to the plan include:

• Improved public pedestrian and cycling access to the foreshore through the site;
• Additional uses must be consistent with the on-going use of the Club;
• Subdivision controls to facilitate the transfer of foreshore land to public open space;
• Reinforcing the need to consider the views to and from Woolooware Bay in assessing any development application for the site;

Minister Sartor said the majority of submissions on the draft LEP supported the proposed development.

Sutherland Shire Council is finalising a Development Control Plan (DCP) for the site, to confirm the nature and use of the Leagues Club property.
This draft Development Control Plan will be released for public exhibition, along with the Leagues Club development application.

http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/mediarelplan/fs20060404_332.html

 

[Hammerhead]

Barry Pierce: Nice guy with ruthless streak

From today's SMH, a piece on the movers and shakers in rugby league.

Nice guy with ruthless streak

THE PRESIDENT: Boards are Barry Pierce's business. So are housing developments. Last April, the Cronulla president won a long battle with the State Government to build a huge development which includes an 80-room motel, an apartment complex and a conference centre next to Toyota Park. Pierce filled the vacuum on the football club and leagues club boards left by outspoken former Sharks president Peter Gow and, in his quiet, nice-guy manner, has got things done. Not afraid of making the tough calls, Pierce sacked coach Chris Anderson three years ago. His son, Greg Pierce, was appointed chief executive after the sudden death of Steve Rogers earlier this year. Pierce stands back on issues involving the football team directly, allowing the coach to hire and fire players and staff.

 

[Capmar]

I don't know what the article is trying to say but his primary role should be ensuring the performance or that the tools for the coach of the 1st grade side are maintained and replinished to allow the Sharks to be competitive on the field. Surely everything else is secondary? Once these structures are built it will require public participation to ensure money borrowed is paid back etc but with a team languishing at the bottom of the table, the public will stay away in droves. All his efforts would be in vain if we are unable to have a competitive Rugby League team!!

 

[wobo]

barry peirce Mean streak ??????

So what! so now the sharks will have heaps of cash to buy more players???
or does the board have heaps of cash to buy them selves some new management and coaches?????.
If he's so tough why are the current crop fo maori imports and retieries playing like rubbish. And why won't he put a little squeeze on Stuey and tell him to win some football games??? Anderson got us to with in one game of the grand final.
NO MORE JOBS FOR THE BOYS,FAMILY MEMBERS AND MATES.
BARRY GET TOUGH WITH THE FOOTBALL CLUB AND SACK THAT THEO BURGESS
HE HAS NOT GOT ONE DECENT PLAYER FOR NEXT YEAR, AND START WITH SOME PROFFESSIONAL MANGEMENT AND COACHES WHO ARE NOT THE ABOVE MENTIONED!!!!!! GOOD OL SHIRE BOYS.
USE SOME OF THIS SLUSH FUND TO BUY A PREMIERSHIP BUT STOP BLAMING THE PLAYERS LOOK AT THE FRONT OFFICE IF TIGERS COWBOYS CAN DO IT SO CAN WE

 

[peachey]

Redevelopment update

Update on the Redevelopment
The Leader 14/2/2008

Two years after their long battle to win development approval, Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club has signed up a major Australian developer with an aim to start work on site at the end of the year. While the $9.2 million redevelopment of the club's privately owned Toyota Park is taking shape, with the new southern grandstand due to be completed in April, it will eventually be dwarfed in size - and importance - by the larger redevelopment adjacent to the NRL ground.

Once the redeveloped 'Sharks' site is tenanted and revalued in about two years, the leagues club - presently servicing a $7 million debt - expects to invest $30m - $40 m and thus secure the licenced club's future and consequently, add financial muscle to the Cronulla Sharks football club. With NSW licenced clubs and pubs under attack from increased poker machine state taxes and non-smoking laws - and the Federal Government expressing concern over 'machine addicts' and family incomes - some rugby league clubs like Cronulla Sutherland have moved in other directions to find extra funding for both licenced club and football operations.

Since NSW planning Minister Frank Sartor's approval in 2006, the Sharks have examined numerous proposals for their large car park site on Captain Cook drive at Woolooware, including a possible conference centre, seniors housing, hotel accommodation, motel and shops. The recent housing approval for the Australand owned site, between Wanda and Kurnell, could play a part in the club's final decision.

Already, the Sharks are moving to make 'pay' the bottom section of the Leagues club, worth plans to commercialise the large summertime bar area with new facilities like a medical-physiotherapy centre and/or gymnasium area in the next few months.

"There is no doubt that the days of clubs relying on poker machine revenue are over," said club director Brett Crowley. "We've made moves from that in recent years, what with the state tax increases, and smoking laws reducing patronage and income. All clubs have to refocus on a new business model, to secure their future. We're now moving ahead with a major developer. We've recently commissioned $35,000 for architectural plans and advice on the redevelopment of our site. We're confident of gaining important new revenue, not only from the commercial development, but from changes to the club building itself."

 

[hosko64]

Can't wait good report peachey keep it coming.

 

[Google News]

Cronulla shore up funds

By Brad Forrest TWO years after their long battle to win development approval, Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club has signed up a major Australian developer ...

Source: http://stgeorge.yourguide.com.au/news/sport/general/cronulla-shore-up-funds/1182805.html

Cronulla shore up funds
BY BRAD FORREST
13/02/2008 11:00:00 PM

TWO years after their long battle to win development approval, Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club has signed up a major Australian developer with an aim to start work on site at the end of this year.

While the $9.2 million redevelopment of the club's privately-owned Toyota Park is taking shape, with the new southern grandstand due to be completed in April, it will eventually be dwarfed in size and importance by the larger redevelopment adjacent to the NRL ground.

Once the redeveloped `Sharks' site is tenanted and revalued in about two years, the leagues club presently servicing a $7 million debt expects to invest between $30m-$40m and thus secure the licensed club's future and consequently, add financial muscle to the Cronulla Sharks football club.

With NSW licensed clubs and pubs under attack from increased poker machine state taxes and non smoking laws and the Federal Government expressing welfare concerns over ``machine addicts'' and family incomes some rugby league clubs like Cronulla Sutherland have moved in other directions to find extra funding for both licensed club and football club operations.

Since NSW Planning Minister Frank Sartor's approval in 2006, the Sharks have examined numerous proposals for their large car park site on Captain Cook Drive at Woolooware, including a possible conference centre, seniors housing, hotel accommodation, motel and shops.

The recent housing approval for the Australand-owned site, between Wanda and Kurnell, could play a part in the club's final decision.

Already, the Sharks are moving to make ``pay'' the bottom section of the Leagues Club, with plans to commercialise the large Summertime Bar area with new facilities like a medical-physiotherapy centre and/or gymnasium area in the next few months.

``There is no doubt that the days of clubs relying on poker machine revenue are over,'' said club director, Brett Crowley.

``We've made moves away from that in recent years, what with state tax increases, and smoking laws reducing patronage and income.

``All clubs have to refocus on a new business model, to secure their future.

``We're now moving ahead with a major developer.

``We've recently commissioned $35,000 for architectural plans and advice on the redevelopment of our site. We're confident of gaining important new revenue, not only from the commercial development, but from changes to the club building itself.''

 

[sharks195]

Can't wait good report peachey keep it coming.

but he didn't make it up it is straight from the leader, so minus points for peach, but he has redeemed himself by placing the leader as a source, no rep though, as they cancel each other out.

 

[scott17]

youre a tough judge 95er

well done

 

[sharks195]

hey i make my decisions based on the evidence (and my own bias)

 

[peachey]

no just your bias...

:topic

 

[sharks195]

ok then some negative rep to you seems to be in order

 

[peachey]

RUDE!....

thats just uncalled for...

 

[sharks195]

want some more??? then stop complaining.

 

[Google News]

Sharks ready to roll on $60m redevelopment

BY BRAD FORREST CRONULLA Sharks will secure their future in the National Rugby League competition by floating a separate company to finance a $60 million ...

Source: http://stgeorge.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/rugby-league/sharks-ready-to-foll-on-60m-redevelopment/792811.aspx

Sharks ready to roll on $60m redevelopment
BY BRAD FORREST
19/06/2008 10:04:00 AM

THE NEW DEAL

Completed project valuation: $80m-100 million

Debt required: $40m

Value of WBP equity: $40m-60m

Funds raised from public on issue of prospectus:$20m

Shares issued on conversion of notes: $6m

Shares owned by club: $14m-$34m

Shares on issue: $40m-$60m

Ownership of WBP by public: 44-65 per cent

Ownership of WBP by the club: 35-56 per cent

CRONULLA Sharks will secure their future in the National Rugby League competition by floating a separate company to finance a $60 million commercial development around their leagues club.

The Sharks announced yesterday a new commercial arm, Woolooware Bay Properties Limited, would provide a separate income stream and ensure they won't have to move from their home ground, Toyota Stadium.

"It is a win-win situation for the Sharks, raising equity and retaining ownership of the club,'' club chairman Barry Pierce said yesterday. "It has taken a while, but we now have investors ready to fund our redevelopment.''

Unlike Manly and South Sydney, the Sharks have steered clear of privatisation, thus retaining outright ownership of their leagues clubs and football grounds, valued at about $30 million, as well as the football team.

Instead, the new company will be a wholly owned subsidiary of the club, with the Sharks eventually owning between 35 per cent and 56 per cent, after the club lists the company on the stock exchange early next year.

The completed project has value projections of between $80 million and $100 million.

The club's new commercial arm will now set in train the Sharks' long-held plans for the redevelopment since rezoning approval two years ago, thereby setting themselves apart from clubs more reliant on heavily-taxed poker machine revenue.

A hotel/motel and retail and conference centre are among those proposals the Sharks have examined this year to commercialise the 2.8 hectare block of land they own next to their leagues club and football stadium, on Captain Cook Drive at Woolooware.

The Sharks are in equal top position on the NRL ladder.

While the club is trying to increase game-day attendances, under coach Ricky Stuart and new chief executive, Tony Zappia, it has attracted big-name signings in Anthony Tupou and Trent Barrett from 2009.

In recent months, Sharks directors have met with private companies and business chiefs to secure the necessary funding for the new company.

The club-owned land sits on the one major road that sends traffic to Cronulla and Kurnell, off the Captain Cook Bridge.

After the recent housing approval of the large Australand site, between Kurnell and Wanda Beach, the Sharks have become increasingly anxious to get their redevelopment finally up and running, after it stalled over the past couple of years.

Meetings with the State Government and Sutherland Shire Council have been ongoing.

However, securing the necessary backing and funding for the new company was the major hurdle, and this was overcome by the strong show of support Sharks directors received from investors.

In February this year the Sharks estimated the redeveloped car park site would initially be worth about $40 million, with flow-on effects to the leagues and football clubs.

The Sharks are the only NRL club in the state which owns its own football ground and adjacent leagues club, and have had little trouble acquiring backing, with valued assets at around $30 million and debt at $8 million.

But the State Government's increased tax on poker machines, combined with the effects of smoking bans and rising petrol prices, have affected the capacity of clubs to service their debts.

Earlier this year Cronulla completed extensive renovations to the stadium, including the building of a southern stand, after getting a $9.6 million grant from the previous federal government.

Club director and managing director of the new company Brett Crowley is meeting investors to raise the first $3 million in convertible notes, with $20 million in shares and bank loans of about $37 million for the $60 million in total funds required for the project.

Attachment: Securing the Sharks: chief executive Tony Zappia, chairman barry Pierce and director Brett Crowley, managing director of the new company. Picture: Wesley Lonergan

 

[brad]

sounds like good news

 

[peachey]

FIIIIIIIIIIINALLY

if there going to sell shares to raise money..

I WANT IN!

 

[LeaguePlayer]

long live cronulla

 

[Jigsaw]

**** YES! ABOUT TIME! WOOHOO! UP UP CRONULLA!

 

[Shiredad]

FIIIIIIIIIIINALLY

if there going to sell shares to raise money..

I WANT IN!

they're not selling cronulla sharks shares, are they?

I got the impression that they're selling shares for Wooloware Bay PL.