Hakoah White City now set to open in 2026
'Hakoah means strength—we are a strong community and will become even stronger and more united than ever'
The long-awaited redevelopment of the Hakoah Club at White City is now expected to be completed in the first half of 2026.
Speaking at the club’s AGM on Thursday evening, president Steven Lowy outlined the recent “significant” construction challenges Hakoah has faced but said, “I am pleased that this now seems behind us.”
Lowy said Hakoah had reached a settlement with its previous builder, Parkview Constructions, with whom it severed ties in the middle of this year.
“As announced in September, after a targeted tender process run by our Development Committee, the Board engaged Richard Crookes Constructions in an Early Contractor Involvement Agreement … together with the Crookes team we are currently reviewing tenders in the various subcontractor trades,” he said.
“We now believe that we will be in a better position to inform you of the expected cost and timing early in the new year, at which time we plan for construction to recommence.”
The pause in construction had also allowed the Hakoah team to identifiy improvements to the design of the project, including a more efficient layout of the interior of the club as well as significantly enhanced children’s play area, he said.
But he said, the cost of the project was expected to increase materially beyond the $93 million previously estimated. “Clearly, additional funds will need to be raised,” he said.
Lowy said security enhancements have become a top priority following the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel and the club had made additional grant requests to both the NSW State and Federal governments.
The NSW Government has pledged $2.5 million for enhanced security infrastructure, in addition to its existing $12.5 million grant for sporting infrastructure.
“I would like to thank Premier Chris Minns, Minister for Sport and Multiculturalism Stephen Kamper, and Treasurer Daniel Mookhey for their leadership in recognising this need and assisting in keeping the community safe,” Lowy said.
While he said “the position from the federal government is less clear”, Lowy said Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has committed up to $6 million for security should the Coalition win the next election.
“I thank Peter Dutton very much for his understanding and continued support of the Jewish community,” he said.
Lowy added that despite the setbacks, key commercial partners remain committed to the project. Hakoah’s partnerships with CSG, Shalom, and Maccabi “remain strong”.
“They also remain committed to our shared vision as we have navigated the challenges of the last twelve months,” he said.
“The desire to be together as a community has never been stronger. Hakoah means strength—we are a strong community and will become even stronger and more united than ever.”
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