Marsden High School: new plans revealed to turn former school into $30m sporting facility

A former northern Sydney high school is one step closer to being turned into a major sporting hub used by more than 400,000 people each year. See the plans.

Plans have been revealed for a major sporting hub in one of the fastest growing regions in Sydney’s north in a bid to address ongoing demand for local playing facilities.

The former Marsden High School site in West Ryde would be turned into a new two-storey 5000 sqm indoor sports facility with four sporting courts as part of plans lodged to the City of Ryde Council.

The $30.1 million project would also have 32 outdoor netball courts as well as a gym, offices, a kiosk, storage spaces, and a first aid room.

A new car park, with 296 spaces, would be built on the northern side of the site, accessible via Winbourne St, along with bike parking facilities.

The plans come after Marsden High School was relocated from the site to a new campus at the Meadowbank Education and Employment Precinct earlier this year.

A concept plan of the new sports facility.

The development will include new indoor and outdoor court facilities.

School Infrastructure NSW – which is developing the new sporting complex – said the facility would be accessible for community use as well as sports camps, holiday programs and tournaments.

It is expected the facility would become a major sporting hub for the region with an annual visitation of 401,000 people.

A concept plan of the new netball courts.

The facility is expected to open in 2023.

“The population of Ryde is forecasted to increase dramatically over the next 10 years, however there is currently a lack of recreation spaces in the local government area, with a key forecast requirement for additional indoor sporting facilities,” the plans stated.

“The delivery of this project will provide a high-quality sport and recreational facility, helping to establish NSW as one of the nation’s most active and healthy states.”

Plans show the development would involve the removal of 64 trees, while traffic modelling predicted the facility is expected to generate 507 vehicle trips per hour on weekdays and up to 461 on Saturdays.

If approved, the venue would operate from as late as 11pm on Monday to Thursdays, 9.30pm on Fridays and 8.30pm on Saturday, and 7.45pm on Sundays.

Plans were lodged to Ryde Council this month.

The project is estimated to cost $30.1 million.

The PCYC NSW has already been awarded the contract to manage and operate the facility on behalf of School Infrastructure NSW

School Infrastructure NSW said the project would have benefits for the community, including encouraging uptake in sport.

A concept plans of the development.

The facility would become the home ground for local sporting clubs including the

Eastwood Ryde Netball Association.

“The role of sport and recreation not only encourages healthy and active lifestyles in the community, it also helps to connect communities regardless of age, ability, and/or background,” the plans stated.

“The proposal will also contribute to the local economy throughout the lifespan of the facility, through employment opportunities such as maintenance workers, referees and physiotherapists”

If approved, construction on the new sporting facility is expected to begin in early 2023.

The plans come after Ryde Council approved plans this month to demolish the former school buildings on the site.