By Paul Suttor
Illawarra Mercury
27 August, 2003
Wollongong Sportsground Trust is forging ahead with plans to build a
multi-million-dollar hotel complex at WIN Stadium despite doubts over
St.George-Illawarra's long-term tenure.
The Dragons are contracted to play a minimum of seven games at the
venue for the next two years but their future beyond the end of the
2005 season is up in the air.
Trust events and promotions manager Milton O'Brien said despite
the football team's uncertain outlook, wheels were still in
motion to build the proposed hotel, grandstand and conference
facilities.
O'Brien said the trust hoped to have the $37 million project
completed by 2006.
"The western development was all about getting a hotel on site
and a free grandstand," he said.
"It's still bubbling along. The trust is looking at some
options at the moment. There have been some companies who the trust
have spoken to."
The next step for the development will be the establishment of a
departmental committee including members of Tourism NSW and the
Department of Sport and Recreation.
St.George-Illawarra officials are claiming the State Government's
poker machine tax increase could lead to the Steelers withdrawing
from the joint venture and the club playing at Kogarah under the
St.George banner.
The NRL has confirmed St.George-Illawarra's licence does not
state they must play in Wollongong, but premiership chief David
Gallop said the game's governing body would be disappointed if
the Dragons left the area.
Copyright © 2003 Illawarra Mercury