Plans are in place to build a new $9 million facility named Cumberland Oval at Parramatta’s current Granville base.

Ahead of next month’s local government election, outgoing administrator Viv May unveiled his plans today for a new state of the art playing facility for the Parramatta Two Blues.

Cumberland Council has released early concept work, which shows a modern facility boasting ample elevated seating for a better crowd experience, four change rooms for male and female athletes, a strength and conditioning gym and separate rooms for time keepers and referees.

The original Cumberland Oval was famously burnt down by fans celebrating the Parramatta Eels first rugby league premiership in 1981.

Two Blues president Brian Blacklock said the new facility would enable growth at the club to continue.

“We have been waiting for an upgrade like this ever since the first Cumberland Oval burnt down,” he said.

“This will mean we have a facility that is as good if not better than any club in the competition and we hope it will help us to attract and retain quality talent.”

Parramatta general manager Craig Morgan added that the upgrade was crucial for the club’s commercial prospects.

“Our current one just isn’t up to scratch for a premier level club,” Morgan said.

“Our existing facilities make it hard for us to attract and retain players. The Shute Shield is televised on 7TWO but we lose out on potential sponsorship and promotional opportunities because the producers won’t film our home games.

“A great facility is not only good for us. It will lift the reputation of the whole area. At the moment when we host a visiting club, our facilities don’t reflect well on us or our local community.”

While Parramatta’s first grade side had a tough year on the park, the club recorded record playing numbers in both their men’s and women’s ranks.