TG Millner Field

TG Millner Field is in the North West Sydney suburb of Marsfield, New South Wales, Australia, and is currently the home ground of Eastwood Rugby Club, a rugby union Club that competes in the Shute Shield competition.

History

The land where the main field is now was bought originally in 1951 by Colonel TG Millner and subsequently sold to Eastwood Rugby. The clubhouse and oval were built by volunteers and after 1963 and the development of dressing rooms, home games were played at Marsfield. Additional land was bought by Eastwood Rugby in 1967 increasing the site to more than 16 acres (65,000 m²).

The complex originally had 3 full sized playing fields which have been floodlit since 1969 and which were available for games and training. The grandstand was also constructed in 1969.^[1]

During the 1990s the North Ryde Soccer Football Club played at the TG Millner Field for a number of years.^[2] Northern Districts Cricket also played at TG Millner for a season^[3] including at least one game with Allan Border playing^[4]

North Ryde RSL

In 2000 Vimiera Recreation Grounds, the owners of TG Millner, signed a 99-year lease with North Ryde RSL Community Club which transferred control over the entire complex to the RSL. Following this transfer a number of changes occurred

In 2017, VRG advised that the entire complex had been sold unconditionally to North Ryde RSL.^[5]

On August 25, 2020 Ryde Council decided not to proceed with heritage listing T.G. Millner Field.^[6]

Application to Develop the Site

In June 2022, North Ryde RSL the owners of TG Millner announced that an application had been lodged with Ryde Council to "renew the TG Millner Field site by creating 132 low-rise, diverse homes and a new public park for the local community."^[7]

On Wed, 7 Dec 2022, The Strategic Planning Panel of the North Sydney Planning Panel advised that "The Panel has determined that the planning proposal should not be submitted for a Gateway determination" ^[8]

On May 3 2023, the NSW Government Planning Portal recorded that SEARS had been issued for a State Significant Development 146-150 Vimiera Rd, Marsfield - Seniors housing. "Relocation of the existing registered club to new premises within the site and construction of a residential aged care facility (RACF) comprising approximately 670 beds."^[9]

Following the April 2024 State Government's refusal of permission for Ryde Council to compulsory acquire the site, North Ryde RSL announced that "Our intention is to now resubmit the Marsfield Common planning proposal for determination by the relevant consent authorities."^[10]

On July 4 2024 North Ryde RSL advised its members that on July 3 2024 the Marsfield Common proposal had been re-submitted to Ryde Council ^[11]

Ryde Council Compulsory Acquisition

On 23 May 2023 Ryde Council resolved to compulsorily acquire the TG Millner Field^[12]

On 28 November 2023 Ryde Council resolved that "Council advise the Minister for Planning of a funding allocation by City of Ryde Council of $15 million to the purchase of TG Millner"^[13]

On April 12 2024 The Sydney Morning Herald reported; "Local government minister Ron Hoenig told the council he had refused permission [to acquire the site] because he was not convinced the council could afford to purchase the land."^[14]