Former Venues NSW Chair Tony Shepherd named new head at Sydney’s Moore Park Entertainment Quarter
Tony Shepherd, who stepped down as Chair of Venues NSW in February, has this week taken on the role of Chairman of Carsingha Investments, the consortium that controls Sydney’s Moore Park Entertainment Quarter.
Shephard joins the group at a juncture where is trying to negotiate an extended lease on the Moore Park Entertainment Quarter with the NSW Government, with its present lease on the former site of the Sydney Royal Easter Show having just 23 years.
Amid extensive lobbying for a lease extension, the Carsingha group say that an extended tenure will enable a $2 billion investment in the sport, retail and entertainment precinct.
Following his appointment this week, Shepherd told Sydney newspaper The Daily Telegraph that such investment would enhance Sydney’s reputation as a “global city”, commenting “if we are to live up to our reputation as Australia’s premier city and one of the premier cities in the world then we have to lift our game.
“We need the facilities, we need the opportunities and they need to be as close to the centre of the city as possible.”
Arguing for a longer lease, Shepherd stated “we are looking at a multi-billion dollar investment and you cannot get that back in two weeks.
“If you want private sector money you have to give them a reasonable term.”
The $2 billion investment program would include a new luxury hotel, improved carparking, additional restaurants and bars and upgraded sporting facilities on the 11 hectare site.
Shepherd is encourages at the NSW Government’s recent move to allow the adjacent Allianz Stadium and Sydney Cricket Ground to host up to 20 major entertainment events each year from its current cap at four.
Looking forward, he explained “top of our list is to integrate this wonderful zone precinct with that of the Disney studios … incredible.
“With the SCG and Sydney football stadium next door and make this a sports and entertainment hub for Sydney, for Australia, in the most beautiful city in the world.”
Shepherd will be part of a panel discussion on future venue investment at the upcoming 2023 Asia-Pacific Venue Industry Congress in Melbourne, being held from 21st to 23rd May.
Click here for details in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.
Image: Tony Shepherd. Credit: Enviropacific.
Related Articles
Published since 1997 - Australasian Leisure Management Magazine is your go-to resource for sports, recreation, and tourism. Enjoy exclusive insights, expert analysis, and the latest trends.
Mailed to you six times a year, for an annual subscription from just $99.
Get business and operations news for $12 a month - plus headlines emailed twice a week. Covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism, and venues.