Steven Lowy signals first half 2026 opening for Hakoah
The Hakoah Club’s redevelopment at White City is now projected to be completed in the first half of 2026, President Steven Lowy announced at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday evening.
Planned pool area
Held at Sydney Grammar Edgecliff Preparatory School, adjacent to the construction site, the meeting highlighted challenges, funding updates, and progress toward creating a vibrant hub for Sydney’s Jewish community.
“This redevelopment has not only been about building a facility but about overcoming obstacles and creating a legacy for generations to come,” Lowy said. “Our mission is to deliver the new Hakoah Club as a safe and secure campus for our community for sport, cultural and social events, food, and the joy of just being together.”
Steven Lowy
Lowy reflected on the heightened need for community connection amid rising antisemitism. “As a community, we now face levels of antisemitism that none of us have experienced in Australia,” he said. “The desire to be together as a community has never been stronger. Hence, our Hakoah brand— ‘Life is Better Together.’”
The redevelopment has encountered delays due to the termination of the previous builder and ongoing construction market pressures. However, speaking to JWire, Hakoah CEO Andy Hedges clarified that the site is far from stagnant. “The Richard Crookes (RCC) Team are on-site and has been and continues to undertake scoping and preparatory work in line with the ECI,” Hedges said. The timing for the next stage of work remains part of ongoing negotiations.
The project costs are now projected to exceed the $93 million estimate presented at last year’s AGM, but Hedges noted, “No decision has been taken on how the additional funds will be raised, and that decision can only be made once there is clarity on the cost to complete.” He declined to give a rough estimate of the extra funds needed.
Lowy reiterated his family’s commitment to the project, pledging a significant increase in their donation. He also announced substantial government support, including a $2.5 million security grant from the NSW Government and a $12.5 million sporting infrastructure grant. “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. Additionally, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has pledged up to $6 million for heightened security infrastructure if a coalition-led government is elected.
The AGM also saw a vote on board membership. “A special resolution was passed to allow Board Member George Farkas to remain on the board beyond the constitutional limit for one additional year, and the members voted unanimously for him to be a director for that extra year unopposed,” Hedges said. Additionally, directors Danny Yezerski and Jessica Mendoza-Roth retired by rotation under the constitutional triennial rule. “Both put themselves forward for re-election and were unanimously appointed to a three-year term.”
Despite challenges, Lowy emphasised the ongoing support from commercial and community partners, including CSG, Shalom, and Maccabi, as well as enhancements to the club’s design, such as improved children’s play areas and more efficient layouts.
Reflecting on the project’s significance, Lowy said, “Given the environment we all now find ourselves in, the rationale to build Hakoah at White City has never been more important than it is today. Hakoah means strength—we are a strong community and will become even stronger and more united than ever.”
Lowy concluded his address with gratitude for the board, the development committee, and the executive team. “Thanks to the community for embracing this exciting vision and putting your trust in us,” he said. “Together, we will overcome these challenges.”
