Construction is now underway on a new local multi-sports facility for the rapidly growing Ryde area.
The facility is being built on the former site of Marsden High School following the relocation of the school to the Meadowbank Education Precinct in 2022.
Once complete, the new facility will provide a range of community and sporting spaces with a focus on netball, one of NSW’s highest participation sports, while also catering for growing sports such as basketball, futsal and badminton.
It will deliver a new 5,000 square metre indoor facility including four multipurpose courts and other indoor spaces, as well as outdoor facilities including 29 netball courts with amenities, communal space with open lawns, picnic tables and seating, and new car and bicycle parking spaces.
These new courts will replace existing rundown netball courts located on top of an old rubbish tip at Meadowbank Park.
Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, said that this huge new facility will create much needed sports and recreational space for this rapidly growing community.
“With over 30 new outdoor and indoor courts to open space, picnic areas and parking, this will be a great community space that people can come and enjoy whether they play sport or not,” Minns said.
New South Wales Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, said that the government is focused on building better communities and that means ensuring everyone has access to grassroots sporting infrastructure.
“We look forward to this space becoming a vibrant community sporting hub for the entire community to enjoy.”
Member for Bennelong, Jerome Laxale, said that with the state government committed to a new school at Melrose Park, this investment in sporting facilities for the region is crucial.
“Netball has long suffered in Ryde at substandard facilities in Meadowbank. This huge boost will support all players of all ages and provide much needed indoor sports facilities locally,” Laxale said.
Councillor for City of Ryde, Lyndal Howison, said that she is delighted that this regional sports facility will be located in Ryde.
“The New South Wales Government is delivering a bright, community future for the former site of Marsden High School,” Howison said.
“Our community has waited long enough to see it come back to life and I thank local residents and ERNA for engaging so constructively in this long process. I want to reassure residents that I will keep listening to them as we watch this site take on an important new role.”
Eastwood Ryde Netball Association (ERNA) President, Karen Waud, said that Eastwood Ryde Netball Association is very excited about the commencing of construction at the new facility.
“With 4 indoor courts, 29 outdoor courts, and café facilities, it will offer a fantastic experience for players and fans alike. This will be wonderful for our sports loving community in the City of Ryde,” Waud said.
“City of Ryde is growing, and so is the demand for quality sporting facilities. This is a big milestone for Eastwood Ryde Netball Association and all our members.”
