FUTURE VISION
The draft vision for the future of the Showground has been shaped by extensive community consultation and inspired by a diverse range of iconic destinations across Australia. From The Farm at Byron Bay to Adelaide Central Market, Sandstone Point Hotel, Eat Street Northshore, the Grounds of Alexandria, Coogee Pavilion, EQ Moore Park, and The Convent in Daylesford — these places have helped inform a vision that blends community, culture, and character in a truly local way.
Rooted in the site’s rich agricultural heritage, this future vision reimagines The Groundz as a vibrant, family-friendly civic precinct that honours the past while embracing the future. It will feature a dynamic mix of indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, a multipurpose field, hospitality and entertainment offerings, and thoughtfully designed parklands with pathways and green open spaces.
Existing buildings will be retained and repurposed to maintain the historic charm of the site, creating a deliberate balance of old and new. Importantly, the spirit of the community will stay at the heart of The Groundz. Existing clubs, groups and stakeholders will continue to be part of the journey, and the cherished Dapto Country Show will go on — celebrating tradition while making way for the future.
Think: old-style country feels with a modern twist — rustic styling that evokes nostalgia, warmth, and timeless adventure.
This is The Groundz — a place to gather, connect, celebrate and grow!
FUTURE PLANNING
The Groundz Is Evolving - Join the Journey
Shaped by community insight, creative partnerships, and guided by the Dapto Town Centre Plan and RE2 zoning, the long-term vision for The Groundz imagines a connected and inspiring place — one that grows with the region and offers something for all ages.
It’s a vision built on collaboration — one that will evolve through ongoing partnerships, staged approvals, and close engagement with partners, Wollongong City Council and the broader community.
🌿 Turning Vision into Reality With:
• leafy and open spaces, designed to be family and pet friendly
• The Tap House; live music, food trucks, eateries, and bars
• Character-filled, flexible function spaces, onsite dining, and speciality retail
• A multi-purpose field and grandstand
• Regular fairs, markets, ticketed events, and various community events and gatherings
🍃 Looking ahead, there’s potential for:
• A doggy daycare /boarding /vet service
• Gym, yoga or wellness space
• Childcare service
• A local brewery and tavern
• Short-stay cabins or guest accommodation
• Expanded café and dining areas
• Specialty shops
• Indoor sports recreation
• A cosy wine bar
At its heart, The Groundz is all about community — a place to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories.
Already supporting local businesses, food operators, musicians, and event suppliers, the precinct is building strong economic momentum. If fully realised, The Groundz is expected to support over 500 local jobs and become one of the region’s most vibrant and exciting destinations.
Please note: This vision is subject to planning, development, and regulatory approvals
Take a look at The Groundz document that encapsulates the vision.
Refer below for information and material that support the future draft plan:
DAPTO TOWN CENTRE PLAN
Wollongong City Council developed the Dapto Town Centre Plan 2017 - 2027 in partnership with various local stakeholders. The project provided strategic guidance for the future of the Dapto Town Centre for residents, businesses, community groups, Council, and State Government agencies.
Some key findings identified that Dapto has a busy traffic dominated town centre that is centred on indoor activities. The streets lack comfort, pleasant atmosphere/experiences, and suffers from a compromised walking environment and underutilised town square.
The strategies and guides to help create a unique and welcoming town centre for Dapto include spaces for recreation, laneways to offer pedestrian connections, high-quality buildings and improved streetscape, local history and heritage recognised through art and design elements.
Dapto A&H Society recognises the opportunity to be part of the solution, and through the draft future vision hopes to be able to deliver a series of precincts consisting of family and pet friendly indoor and outdoor recreational spaces, connected via pathways and parklands to create a hub of community activities and offerings.
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
In 2020, the Dapto A&H Society commenced a comprehensive community consultation process, which included an independent public survey by Illawarra Regional Information Survey (IRIS), market research, member and public surveys, stakeholder feedback, community forums, and meetings.
The Society did — and continues to — engage local businesses, schools, Wollongong City Council, local MPs, local businesses and other key stakeholders at various stages of the process.
Feedback from these activities revealed that more than 80% of respondents indicated they would regularly visit “The Groundz” if it offered; indoor and outdoor family eateries; a café precinct; live music and concerts; restaurants and wine bars; and a large outdoor children’s playground and parklands.
This input informed a comprehensive options assessment and helped shape a draft vision for the future of the site — one that reflects community aspirations.
Community consultation and engagement remains ongoing, with the Society working closely with members of the public, local businesses, and key stakeholders. Every year new ideas, events, and offerings are introduced and trialled to assess interest, viability, and community benefit.
