Basketball in Western Sydney is set to receive a huge boost in funding for new and upgraded sports facilities, thanks to the NSW Government’s $5 billion WestInvest program.
A brand new 10+ court multi-sports indoor stadium for Penrith residents worth $106.7 million, a new four-court facility in Fairfield, a new Community Precinct in North Richmond, a new sporting complex in Smithfield and a new indoor recreation centre at the former Horseworld site in Box Hill will be funded as the 30 projects in the NSW Government’s latest plan to rejuvenate Western Sydney.
As part of the funding boost, a minimum 10-court indoor multi-sports arena at Claremont Meadows will be built to house local, regional, state and potentially national events for a range of sports including basketball.
While still in the early stages of planning, it may feature:
– +10 multi-sport courts, including one show court.
– Squash courts with moveable walls to allow for flexibility of use.
– Multi-use rooms available for programs such as yoga, dance, martial arts and special events.
– A covered outdoor rink for roller skating and roller sports.
– Change rooms, offices and meeting rooms, kiosk, lounge area, amenities, first aid room and storage space.
– A car park, including electrical car charging stations, over 200 new trees and bus drop off areas.
– Outdoor recreation spaces for walking and basketball, and outdoor fitness equipment.
– Shared pathway connections along South Creek and additional landscaping.
The facility will adjoin the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct, which, once complete will realise over $40 million of investment. The Gipps Street Recreation Precinct will feature active and passive sport and recreational spaces such as sports fields, nature play areas, including shade and multi-sport outdoor courts.
Click HERE to learn more about the landmark sports precinct development.
Fairfield Showground is also set to receive more than $28 million in WestInvest funding, which will go towards the $46.5 million Fairfield Showground Stage 2 – Indoor Sports Center. Fairfield Council will contribute $18.5 million towards the project to assist in their plan to develop the Fairfield Showground into a major sporting precinct with four courts to be included in the planning.
The Fairfield Showground project will build on the existing facilities to deliver a state-of-the-art new indoor sporting facility that will include a show court hall complete with grandstand seating, a sports hall and stage, as well as change rooms and showers.
North Richmond was also fortunate to be granted the finance to build two new courts as part of a new redevelopment of the North Richmond Community Centre worth $23 million.
The hub that will serve as a meeting and cultural space, social and recreational hub as play host to a number of sports such as basketball, futsal and volleyball.
Cumberland Council will also see a boost in funding with $53.7m granted to build a new Sporting Complex on Hyland Road. These funds will be used to transform unused land on Hyland Road in Greystanes into a state of the art sporting facility for the local community. Granted as part of the Competitive Round under the WestInvest Community Project Grants, the facility will include sporting fields, cricket practice nets and an indoor sporting hall with courts. It will cater for a number of sports including basketball, cricket, rugby league, rugby union, afl, netball and volleyball.
Click HERE for more information.
The Hills Shire Council was also successful in securing funding for the creation of a new indoor recreation centre at the former Horseworld site in Box Hill. The $15 million new multi-purpose indoor sports and recreation complex will house a number of sporting facilities that will help residents in the area have more access to modern facilities.
For more info CLICK HERE.
Basketball NSW, CEO, Maria Nordstrom, was excited by the recent WestInvest funding announcements and hopes that the facilities will assist in growing the game in Western Sydney.
“Infrastructure for basketball and sports, in general, is critical in promoting physical and mental well-being as well as a safe space for all to continue to develop their skills,” said Nordstrom.
“Basketball is hugely popular in Western Sydney; however, there is currently a lack of facilities that support this growth, and many of our kids miss out on playing the game that they love. The recent funding from WestInvest will help ensure that everyone from Western Sydney won’t miss out on hitting the court.”
“We’d like to thank the NSW State Government for their continued support as we work together to promote the game across the state.”
The WestInvest Program is funding transformational infrastructure projects that will enhance communities throughout Western Sydney. These projects will improve the liveability of communities and support economic recovery, making a real difference to the quality of life in 15 eligible Local Government Areas.