PCYC NSW's 'biggest build to date' opens in Wagga Wagga

Hundreds of people have attended the official opening on the PCYC's new multipurpose sports complex in Wagga Wagga today.

Students from multiple schools in the area joined dignitaries including politicians, councillors and the NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb to mark the opening of the 10,000 metre² facility.

Addressing the attendees, Police Citizens Youth Clubs New South Wales (PCYC NSW) Chair Nicole Sorbara said the "incredible new community facility" was PCYC's "biggest build to date."

Featuring four full-size air conditioned and heated multi use sports courts, the naturally lit 3,200 metre² space can host a range of indoor court sports such as basketball, futsal, netball and volleyball.

The venue, built at a cost of $23 million, also features a fully equipped gym, two large multi-purpose room for group fitness, yoga, dance and creative arts along with an outdoor OOSH educational space.

Other features within the new club include a large youth drop-in space, café, a meeting/training room with video conferencing facilities - available for hire - and secure undercover parking for club users.

Construction on the community, sport, recreation and youth centre officially started in November last after almost 10 years of planning and lobbying for NSW, Federal and Wagga City Council local government funds.

Its construction is part of a range of projects across NSW providing a suite of new and upgraded PCYC facilities.

Commenting on the now complete facility, Sorbara noted "these are state-of-the-art facilities that will benefit the health, wellbeing, social resilience and sporty needs of this vibrant community.

"As the cornerstone of the new Bolton Park Regional Sporting Centre, it will also play a key role in continuing the proud tradition of our regional cities in producing world class Australian athletes.

"(The facility will) cement Wagga's reputation as a city of good sports."

NSW police commissioner Karen Webb sees the facility as becoming a major hub for the youth of Wagga Wagga.

Commissioner Webb advised "it's located near the CBD and is an amazing precinct with other sporting facilities.

"Kids are often attracted to the main street and shopping centres (so) this is an option for them not far away from that."

Commissioner Webb said having police engage with the youth of Wagga Wagga is what the facility is all about, adding "none of us wants kids to end up in trouble with the police."

She said the new PCYC facility is a "safe place".

The project was funded with $10 million from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, $10 million from the NSW Government and $3 million from the City of Wagga Wagga.

PCYC is a registered charity that partners with the NSW Police to engage with youth through sporting, recreational, cultural and educational activities.

Images of PCYC courtesy Mike Chorley Photography.