Photo reveal: $28m Wiigulga Sports Complex at Woolgoolga

It’s not the Opera House, but it’s a mighty fine spectacle all the same. Take a look inside and out at Coffs Harbour’s magnificent new multipurpose centre.

Coffs Harbour council's City Prosperity group leader Dan Heather. The $28m Wiigulga Sports Complex at Woolgoolga near Coffs Harbour. Picture: Chris Knight

The soon to open $28m Wiigulga Sports Complex is a stunning venue that will cater for everyone from hardcore athletes through to corporate types playing for keeps in business.

The project has been 18-months in the making and the finished project will appeal to sports from pickleball and AFL through to a professional-standard bike pump track.

It will also serve as an entertainment venue of choice, with the ability to host weddings or mass functions with a 700-seated capacity.

Like a melting pot of great ideas, the project has been funded by all three tiers of government, with the local community and businesses kicking in $187,000 toward the total eye-watering price tag.

City of Coffs Harbour’s Dan Heather explained that the Woolgoolga community has played a key role in guiding the design and function.

The design is clean, sleek and practical throughout. Picture: Chris Knight

“Everyone who has worked on this is just proud,” council’s City Prosperity group leader said.

“This sort of facility for community use is amazing.”

Bryony Smith in the cafe space of the $28m Wiigulga Sports Complex at Woolgoolga. Picture: Chris Knight

The build was fast, but not without challenge.

“There have been complexities of building on a greenfield site,” Mr Heather said.

“When we started there was no water, no power or even a road-in.”

Electric vehicle charging stations – they’ve thought of everything. Picture: Chris Knight

The wider community will get a look-see at a ribbon cutting event on December 3, but the complex is already near end game.

The showcase outdoor fields are skirted by light towers and include removable footy posts – so it will present as a homebase fortress for both cricket, touch football and AFL.

Mullaway-based Gumbaynggirr artist Tulli Stevens’ piece ‘Gawbarri’ can be seen on different surfaces throughout the complex, including a huge colour print in the foyer and cafe space. Picture: Chris Knight

An amenities block sits proud alongside, as does an interactive playground.

“So you could have a boy playing cricket and his little brother having fun in the playground, climbing wall and balance play,” Mr Heather said.

The interactive playground is bound to prove a hit with the younger ones. Picture: Chris Knight

Built opposite Woolgoolga High School, the facility will be a trump for senior students.

The main building is cavernous, and includes two multisport courts catering for every code from basketball and netball through to futsal, volleyball and pickleball.

The bike pump track has been designed to a professional standard. Picture: Chris Knight

Inside there are also smaller adaptable spaces – suitable for community and business workshops and seminars, or pilates and yoga.

There’s also a grand performance stage for concerts, and a professional kitchen for catering.

Coffs Harbour council’s Stadium and Major Events section leader Sharon McDougall. Picture: Chris Knight

A hi-tech sensory room is one of the unexpected whistles.

“One of the first bookings we’ve taken is from a basketball group for kids with autism,” Stadium and Major Events section leader Sharon McDougall said.

The new turf is watered in on the outside fields which will cater for ALF, cricket and touch football. Picture: Chris Knight

The local indigenous community has been involved in the project from the get-go, and the cultural fingerprints are writ large throughout, including a number of breathtaking art installations.

Wiigulga (Wee-gill-gah) is the original name for Woolgoolga and refers to the black apple tree which is found locally and on the site.

“The project’s come in on time and on budget. We’re stoked,” Mr Heather said.