Transformation of UNSW Sydney’s Village Green now complete

After extensive renovations over the last two years, the Village Green on the University of NSW’s main campus in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs has been transformed into an inclusive wellness environment.

Completed last month, the Village Green now offers a multi-purpose synthetic sports field catering for a broad range of sports, as well as providing all aspects of wellness including recreational sport, social interactions, fitness and contemplation.

Highlights of the project include multi-purpose courts for netball, basketball and futsal, a 500 metre walking and running track, outdoor fitness equipment, a bouldering wall, a seated viewing grandstand and landscaped social spaces. The track and western courts will have acrylic surface treatment completed after opening due to the wet weather.

Works are also underway for a new food and beverage outlet opening in 2023.

Commenting on the new facilities, Andrew Walters, UNSW’s Vice President - Division of Operations, stated “the vision of the Village Green has been brought to life. Providing an inclusive and exceptional sporting, recreational, social and wellness precinct where students, staff and the community can come together to play, exercise, socialise and relax.

“We are so proud to deliver an enhanced and vibrant space for all the UNSW community to enjoy.”

The Village Green has been developed in close collaboration with students, clubs, staff and community members. For students, there will be increased opportunities for social and competitive student sport and activities. The state-of-the-art sporting facilities will be available for UNSW sport clubs and professional organisations to use.

Mark Wright, UNSW’s Head of Sport & Local Community, added “sport, active recreation, and physical activity has the ability to build communities, develop a strong sense of belonging and celebrate culture.

“The transformed Village Green embraces and connects with all these elements. The new facility takes a holistic approach to student well-being and mental health for all our students and reflects the changing needs of the student population.”

Another important aspect of this project is the sustainability benefit the project has delivered with the upgrade of the below-ground stormwater infiltration tank. The Village Green is an essential part of the campus stormwater and infiltration system.

The new tank captures campus stormwater underground, contributes to recharging the Botany Aquifer, and in doing so provides a substantial source of sustainable water supply on campus. Together with the multi-purpose pitch, the redevelopment will reduce water usage on the site.