Henson Park Completes $20M Makeover

Historic Inner West sporting ground, Henson Park, unveils improved facilities, accessibility and AFLW-ready amenities following $20 million makeover.

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If you’ve strolled past Henson Park lately and wondered what’s been happening behind the scaffolding, here’s your answer, the $20 million upgrade and makeover is officially complete.

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne unveiled the revamped ground and was joined by players from the Greater Western Sydney Giants, Sydney Swans AFLW sides and the Newtown Jets. Beyond the photo ops, the big question for Marrickville locals is simple, what’s actually changed?

New Henson Park

Henson Park has always had a certain charm, the hill, the heritage grandstand, the winter footy atmosphere. The good news is that the character hasn’t gone anywhere. What has changed is everything behind the scenes. The grandstand has been repaired and upgraded, including improvements to first-floor seating and new lift access to make upper levels easier to reach. Even longtime footy fans will notice the difference, and for families or older supporters, getting around the stadium is now much more convenient.

One of the biggest shifts is in the player amenities. The upgraded facilities now include female-friendly change rooms, accessible toilets, and more storage for equipment, a move that reflects the rapid growth of women’s sport and the increasing use of the ground for AFLW matches. It’s a big win for young girls playing footy locally, who now have top-notch facilities to inspire the next generation of athletes.

There’s also a brand-new multi-purpose building tucked behind the grandstand. Inside, you’ll find additional change rooms, toilets, a gym, and a community function space. That last addition could mean more local events, club functions, and community gatherings happening at the ground throughout the year, not just during footy season. Families haven’t been forgotten either, with accessible public toilets and baby change facilities now part of the mix. Even casual visitors coming for weekend sport or a stroll through the park will notice the fresh, modern touches.

Henson Park has become a key venue for AFLW fixtures and remains the spiritual home of the Jets. The upgrade includes modern coaches’ boxes and improved broadcast facilities, meaning the ground is better equipped to host high-profile matches and larger crowds. For locals, that could translate to more major games landing in Marrickville and more visitors discovering what many already know, that Henson Park is one of Sydney’s great suburban sporting venues.

When Can You Experience The New Facilities?

While the official unveiling gave the first glimpse of the upgrades, locals will really get to judge when the stands fill up again, friends and families grab a spot on the hill, and the footy action kicks off in full swing. There’s something special about returning to a familiar ground and noticing the small changes — from smoother pathways to better seating and more welcoming amenities.

After months of work and a $20 million investment, Henson Park is ready for its next chapter. And if early impressions are anything to go by, Marrickville’s favourite footy ground has managed to modernise without losing the character that makes it special. With improved facilities for players, fans, and the wider community, it looks like Henson Park will continue to be a hub for local sport, social gatherings, and weekend fun for many years to come.

Henson Park sports ground is located at 32 Centennial St, Marrickville NSW 2204