The Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA) is under new leadership, with the appointment of Neisha D’Souza as Chief Executive Officer on an initial 12-month contract commencing from January.
SOPA is the statutory authority that oversees the management and promotion of Sydney Olympic Park.
The Authority manages and maintains the precinct’s extensive land and property assets and facilities, including sports and entertainment venues, commercial areas and green open spaces, as well as working to attract and host world-class sporting, entertainment, cultural, and business events.
The Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan 2050 was recently exhibited for feedback. The plan proposes to deliver a total of up to 13,000 homes, 32,000 jobs, affordable housing, and new education and health spaces, hotel accommodation, community facilities, and public spaces. Submissions are now being considered, with the Master Plan’s finalisation expected in mid-2025.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said Ms D’Souza’s appointment is testament to her successful work at Property and Development NSW (PDNSW) where she has led the Strategic Advisory Services team over several years, contributing to numerous successful initiatives in the government property sector.
Most notably, Ms D’Souza (pictured) has overseen the NSW Government’s property audit which has already identified 40 government sites that could deliver thousands of new homes, and the Government Property Framework which makes it easier to assess government land for housing or service delivery.
“Neisha is a highly effective and knowledgeable leader with strong property sector experience and expertise,” said Mr Scully.
“She will play a key role in implementing the vision for Sydney Olympic Park with the recent development of SOPA’s 2050 Masterplan.
“I thank the current CEO Carla Armanet for her significant contribution to SOPA. Carla’s committed leadership has seen the development of the 2050 Masterplan, which will be critical to the future of the precinct.”