Sydney warehouse to be converted into new public sports centre

The City of Sydney is undertaking a warehouse conversion in Alexandria which will see an industrial building transformed into a new public sports and recreation centre.

Early designs for the recreation centre at 6-8 Huntley Street, Alexandria propose four indoor multipurpose courts to cater for basketball, netball, futsal, volleyball, gymnastics and badminton; outdoor practice recreation courts and a fitness space.

Other features include seating for spectators, reception and administration areas, a kiosk and change rooms. Outside, the design proposes flexible courts for practice sessions while the generous landscaped forecourt at the front of the building is a place to relax. Bike parking will also be available.

City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the new centre will meet local demand for more indoor sports facilities noting “not only is this space crucial for residents and visitors in this densely populated and busy area, it’s beautifully designed, accessible and environmentally sustainable.

“This sports centre is sure to become another welcoming community hub for the neighbourhood. People will have the opportunity to compete in local sports competitions year-round, attend regular fitness programs or simply relax under the trees on the generous lawn.”

The Huntley Street recreation centre has been designed with environmental sustainability in mind. Solar panels will cover the entire rooftop to generate power for the facility and opportunities for natural lighting and ventilation have been identified. Rainwater will also be collected, stored and reused on the site.

The centre will be accessible so everyone can enjoy the new public facility.

Close to densely populated residential and commercial areas, the site is about 15 minutes’ walk from Green Square and St Peters train stations, near the Bourke Road cycleway and accessible by bus.

The City acquired the site in 2018 and Collins and Turner Architects worked on the design from early 2020.

Current designs will now be further developed before a development application is lodged. The project’s designs may be subject to change.

Once approved, construction is expected to get underway in 2022.

The new complex at Huntley Street is just one of many state-of-the-art sporting facilities the City of Sydney is creating in the local area.

Last year, the $12 million Perry Park Recreation Centre in Alexandria gave residents the opportunity to get involved in a range of sports. The City of Sydney is currently carrying out works to enclose the centre’s two outdoor courts so they can be used for a greater number of sports in all weather conditions.

Construction is also well underway on the Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Green Square. The complex features pools, a health and fitness centre, synthetic sports field and crèche.