Global leader in action sports experiences to open facility in Sydney

Woodward, a global leader in action sports experiences, is expanding overseas to Sydney with Woodward Sydney offering a world-class indoor facility for skateboarding, BMX, scooter, snowboarding, skiing, aerial awareness, rock climbing and bouldering.

The facility will feature a state-of-the-art design, utilising unique training tools and offering a range of programs catering to all ages and ability levels from beginners to Olympians. Developed with support from the NSW Government, Woodward Sydney will be located in Castle Hill adjacent to Castle Towers, in purpose-built premises over three levels with a building footprint of 3,650m .

Originally founded in 1970 in Pennsylvania, Woodward has grown to be the global leader in action sports progression with multiple destinations across the U.S. including in California, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Vermont. To date, 48 Olympic medals have been won by former Woodward athletes and guest pros as well as 125 medals in other professional contests.

Woodward President Chris “Gunny” Gunnarson notes “Sydney is the ideal city for our first expansion overseas given its history as a destination that embraces sports and commitment to the action sports lifestyle. Woodward Sydney will be our most innovative concept to date – and a model for future Urban Centres.

“Woodward has historically been known as the place to go if you are an aspirational professional athlete, and we want all Woodward locations to be focused on empowering athletes of all abilities and ages to safely progress on a clear path at their own pace using our unique blend of innovative environments, dynamic programming, and passionate staff. Woodward Sydney will epitomize that mission.”

The Woodward Sydney facility will have a variety of zones including climbing and bouldering walls, a skatepark, pump track, mini ramps, mega ramp, foam pits, spring floor, trampolines and a gym. It will also have a café, bar and event space overlooking all the action.

Programming at Woodward Sydney will include casual access passes, memberships, individual classes, multi-week programs, school PE programs, school holiday camps, birthday parties, events and competitions. Experiences and programming will also focus on the increased participation and empowerment of females in action sports, a core element of the Woodward brand.

David Russell, Managing Director of Woodward Australia adds “We are incredibly excited to bring Woodward to Sydney and at this location in Castle Hill.

“The project will deliver significant social and economic benefits to the area – providing a new space for active recreation and a hub for the local community, while attracting visitors from Greater Sydney, interstate and internationally.

“The NSW Government have also been a great supporter of the project, recognising the role Woodward will play in growing participation in sport and creating pathways for the next generation of Australian Olympic athletes – as Woodward has done in the U.S. for decades.”

The NSW Government has provided $1.8 million towards the project through a grant from the Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund.

Alister Henskens, NSW Minister for Sport adds “Investing in new and existing facilities to improve the quality and quantity of sports infrastructure across Greater Sydney was a priority for the NSW Government.

“The NSW Government recognises the critical role sports infrastructure plays in keeping communities healthy and active. Woodward Sydney will provide an indoor action sports facility which will improve participation and pathway opportunities for emerging and elite athletes.”

Local State Member for Castle Hill Ray Williams said Woodward Sydney would provide the rapidly growing region of north-west Sydney with a new purpose-built facility for a range of sports and shares “Ensuring our community has sporting infrastructure that meets its needs is a priority of mine. Woodward Sydney will provide a purpose-built facility for a range of sports not currently catered for in the region. Not only that, this project will also stimulate the region’s economy through increased jobs and spending at local small businesses.”

The addition of Woodward Sydney further cements QIC’s long-term vision for the development of its extensive Castle Towers site.

“At Castle Towers we’re building a transformative town centre that anticipates the lifestyle needs and values of the growing Hills Shire community,” said Matthew James, QIC Investment General Manager. "The addition of Woodward’s world-leading action sports facility speaks directly to that aspiration. The fact that Woodward has selected Castle Towers for their first destination outside of the U.S. validates our long-term vision for the region and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be partnering with them on this endeavour.”

For more information visit woodwardsydney.com.au