Work will soon get underway on the new Centre of Excellence at Belmore Sports Ground, following the official groundbreaking ceremony at the site today.

Back to Belmore President Luke Cevolani said the start of work meant the Canterbury-Bankstown community is a step closer to having a world-class sporting facility right on their doorstep.

“This major initiative will provide an enhanced experience for athletes and visitors, and will ensure that the local community continues to receive the social, cultural and commercial benefits that come from having a top-class sporting precinct in the heart of the Canterbury-Bankstown area,” Mr Cevolani said.

“Belmore Sports Ground has always been a place where community spirit and sporting excellence meet, and this project reaffirms that legacy for future generations.”

Vice President Steven Cataldi said the new sporting precinct would help drive pathways and job opportunities throughout construction, providing a huge boost for the local economy.

“It's a truly exciting time for residents and visitors to Belmore who will benefit from the multi-million dollar project,” Mr Cataldi said.

“This investment will provide jobs and an economic stimulus in the Canterbury-Bankstown region, as well as a much-needed boost to morale, underpinning growth, greater productivity and economic prosperity.”

Patron Luke Brailey commended all relevant parties for embracing the vision that Back to Belmore has steadfastly championed for the past two decades.

“For twenty years, Back to Belmore has advocated tirelessly for the preservation and restoration of Belmore Sports Ground as a multi-purpose sporting facility,” Mr Brailey said.

“This development is not just a welcome investment in local infrastructure, it's a validation and vindication of everything our organisation has worked towards since 2005. While some may choose to overlook and disregard the role Back to Belmore has played, the fact is that this outcome rests squarely on the foundation of two decades of advocacy. We are immensely proud that we stepped forward all those years ago to blaze a trail and lay the groundwork for this momentous day to become a reality.”

The new Centre of Excellence stands as a testament to the enduring vision to see Belmore Sports Ground evolve into a true home of sporting greatness, opportunity and community pride.