Member for Parramatta, Julie Owens announced the funds boost saying the success of the Western Sydney Wanderers in their inaugural season had put Parramatta Stadium at the centre of events in Western Sydney.

The upgrade will include upgrading the Eastern Stand, including a new concourse, new food and drink outlets and better bathrooms.

Better facilities for players will be built with new change rooms and bathrooms and 3,300 additional seats will be installed on the Northern and Southern Mounds, bringing the Stadium capacity to 24,000.

“Parramatta Stadium is an iconic Western Sydney landmark, but has been struggling to meet the needs of a growing region. This upgrade will ensure Western Sydney residents have access to world class sporting facilities,” Ms Owens said.

The announcement has been welcomed by Parramatta City Council.

Parramatta Lord Mayor, Cr John Chedid, the Chairman of Parramatta’s Sporting and Recreation Facilities Advisory Committee, said that investment in one of Western Sydney’s iconic sports grounds is vital to the future growth of sport in the region.

“The committee and I have been working hard for some time to secure funding for Parramatta Stadium, to improve facilities for participants and fans,” Cr Chedid said.

Cr Chedid commended the efforts of the Eels and the Wanderers to secure this funding for Western Sydney.

“Sport is a significant contributor to our local economy. During the Wanderer’s inaugural season, their fans spent a whopping $17.3 million in Parramatta, at restaurants, cafes and hotels, helping to create 81 full-time jobs. The Eels also injected almost $10 million into the local economy and created 45 full-time jobs,” Cr Chedid said.

Cr John Chedid, also confirmed that the Parramatta Eels will remain at their spiritual home at Parramatta Stadium.

He has backed the newly-elected Eels board to deliver on their promise to honour the club’s agreement with the Parramatta Stadium Trust. 

Cr Chedid said he had held discussions with Parramatta Eels Chairman, Steve Sharp and Deputy Chairman Tom Issa, and was reassured that the Club would continue to play out of Parramatta Stadium.

He said Council would continue to do everything in its power to ensure that the Eels would remain at Parramatta Stadium beyond 2015.