St George Willawong FC is set to gain additional playing space at the new Pallara District Sports Park, with all three fields now included in the initial construction plans after the club reportedly had to turn prospective players away.
The expanded facility at 65 Van Dieren Road will accommodate the club’s growing football programs, following a selection process and feedback from more than 300 people about the sporting facilities planned for the area.
A Growing Club With Room To pare
Authorities said St George Willawong FC had been turning players away, although the number of people affected has not been disclosed. The new grounds are intended to provide additional space for the club to accommodate growing participation. Authorities also confirmed that St George Willawong FC had been selected to use the park following a competitive BCC tender process. Several other groups had also expressed interest in using the facility earlier in the year.
The club’s selection comes as plans for the sports park have been expanded beyond the original two-field layout. An area previously reserved for a possible third field will now be developed alongside the other two, rather than being left for a later stage. More than 300 people contributed feedback on the project, according to Mr Adrian Schrinner. Community engagement conducted during 2023 and 2024 helped shape the design, with residents identifying safe and clean facilities, suitable amenities, accessible grounds and adequate parking among their priorities.
Three Fields And A New Gathering Place
Beyond the playing fields, the sports park will include a clubhouse with public amenities, sports lighting, irrigation, on-site parking and a dedicated bus drop-off area. Shared pathways and open green spaces are also part of the design, with land reserved for a future playground and picnic facilities. The grounds are intended to accommodate organised community football, school sport and casual recreational activities. Sports lighting will support evening use, while the clubhouse will provide facilities for players and visitors.
Preparatory works associated with the development were completed in June 2026, following earlier work on roads, footpaths and drainage around Van Dieren Road. Main construction is scheduled to begin in mid-November, with the park expected to open in early 2028. Construction will also bring temporary changes around the site. BCC has advised that the entire park will be fenced and closed while work is underway, with additional vehicle movements, noise and possible stop-go traffic controls along Van Dieren Road.
The development will involve removing up to 11 existing trees, with the work supervised in consultation with a qualified arborist. More than 150 new trees are planned as part of the project. BCC has identified early 2028 as the expected completion period for the new sports park, when St George Willawong FC is due to have access to the additional sporting facilities.
Published 15-October-2026
