Castle Hill: Skate bowl and trampoline centre in $33m plans for indoor sports facility
An American developer has announced $33m plans to open a massive indoor sports centre at Castle Hill in late 2024. See what’s planned.
Hills Shire
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Castle Hill could become home to a world-class indoor action sports centre with skateboarding, BMX, scootering, rock climbing, parkour, gymnastics and more in a $33m development proposal.
American sporting facility developers Woodward has lodged an application for a 3650 sqm indoor sporting facility at 24-26 Showground Rd, Castle Hill, stating it would be “the first of its kind in Australia”.
Scheduled to open in late 2024, “Woodward Sydney” would consist of a single storey, two level mezzanine indoor recreational facility with a skate bowl, trampoline and cheer space, climbing space, gym, retail spaces and two food and beverage tenancies with liquor licence approvals.
Developed in partnership with the NSW Office of Sport, Woodward president Chris “Gunny” Gunnarson said Woodward Sydney would be their most innovative concept to date.
“Growing beyond the North America market to overseas has been a goal of ours for a number of years,” Mr Gunnarson said.
“We want all Woodward locations to also be focused on empowering athletes of all abilities and age levels 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 epitomise that mission.”
The Woodward facility would also host various types of events including local and regional competitions in partnership with state organisations such as Skate Australia and BMX Australia, as well as screenings of major sporting events including the Olympics and X-Games.
The venue is expected to have an estimated capacity of 200 spectators and 200 participants for events, with a base level of 12 staff members operating the venue, or 30 at peak times.
A planner from the project said the development would cater to the day-to-day sporting needs of the Hills Shire and also support continued spending growth to the local economy recovery following Covid-19.
“The development will create new jobs through the construction and operation,” the planner said.
“It will provide future residents with access to a wide range of facilities which will be well-serviced by public transport (and) be a place of community gathering that will support all abilities and ages.
“The Woodward facility represents a significant investment in the community and high performance recreational facilities that will improve the sports offering at Castle Hill and benefit the local community”
The proposed development also seeks consent for the demolition of two residential dwellings, the construction of 110 basement parking spaces, a new internal road linking Showground Rd and Kentwell Ave, and the removal of 61 trees with plans to replant 63.
Woodward Sports was founded in 1970 and currently operates 11 venues throughout North America in various locations including Utah, Colorado, Oregon, California, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Mexico.
If approved by The Hills Shire Council, the Woodward indoor sports facility would open 6am to 10pm seven days a week, excluding public holidays.
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