The Royal Hall of Industries (RHI) in Moore Park, originally established by the Royal Agricultural Society, has been a cornerstone of Sydney’s civic life, serving various roles from an exhibition hall to a ballroom. However, in recent years, the hall had fallen into disrepair and was closed to the public. Now, in its new incarnation as the Sydney Swans HQ sporting and recreational centre, the RHI has been revitalised, breathing new life into this historic building.

The redevelopment of the RHI aligns with sustainable design principles, focusing on adaptive reuse and restoration. The project has preserved the iconic steel roof and repurposed the main hall, adding a new international-standard basketball and multipurpose court. The facility is now a community asset, offering year-round programming and open access to fans and visitors. The centre also houses a permanent Life Blood Donor Centre, the GO Foundation, and the Clontarf Foundation, organisations dedicated to empowering Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander youth through sports and education. These initiatives reflect the Sydney Swans’ commitment to inclusivity, as outlined in their reconciliation and discrimination action plans.

With a 5-star Green Star certification, the Sydney Swans HQ exemplifies the adaptive reuse of historical architecture, ensuring the RHI’s relevance for the next 25 years and beyond. This project underscores Sydney’s dedication to sport, community engagement, and sustainable architecture.

Photography by Scott Burrows Photography