St Ives High School indoor sports centre gains momentum
Basketballers would be among those to benefit from a new indoor sports centre planned at St Ives, after the state government pledged $3.5 million in funding.
Basketballers would be among those to benefit from a new indoor sports centre planned at St Ives, after the state government pledged $3.5 million in funding.
The centre at St Ives High School would have four courts, and be used by the school and community.
The Department of Education has already agreed to fund two of the courts.
The remaining two were to be funded by Ku-ring-gai Council and the state government.
However, Davidson state Liberal MP Jonathan O’Dea’s announcement has significantly reduced the commitment required from the council.
Mr O’Dea said it was a big step in bringing the courts to fruition.
“It’s great news for basketball and other sports that could use the facility,” he said.
Badminton, dancing, netball, futsal, volleyball and wheelchair sports are among those that could also be played at the centre.
Mr O’Dea said performances and events could also be held.
The council must still confirm it will contribute to the centre.
The school has ageing outdoor courts and one indoor court.
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Basketball Association general manager Vicki Dean said she supported more indoor facilities, which the association had lobbied for.
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The Times recently reported the concerns of the Northern Suburbs Basketball Association, which plays at the North Sydney Indoor Sports Centre at Crows Nest.
Officials fear they will have no interim venue if a proposed redevelopment of the centre proceeds.
General manager Anthony James said the St Ives centre was a great initiative but too far away to help Norths.
The North Shore Basketball League plays at the St Ives indoor court outside school hours.
Manager Yoel Hyman agreed a new centre would be beneficial to all indoor sports.
“We’ve been having a lot of new inquiries and it looks like it will be a busier term ahead,” he said.
“We’re bursting at the seams.”
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