Gore Hill Indoor Sport Centre

The Gore Hill Indoor Sports Centre (GHISC) represents the second stage of the Gore Hill park redevelopment to address the need for indoor community sport facilities.

In stage 1, the oval was re-oriented to east west to accommodate the requirements of a new indoor sports facility in stage 2. Stage 1 was finalised in March 2019 when the new synthetic oval, clubhouse and playground were opened.

Stage 2 includes the construction of an indoor sports facility, underground parking and integration with the oval.

What are the project objectives?

The project objectives of stage 2 are to deliver an indoor sports facility that:

• Optimises sporting opportunities
• Maximises community participation
• Supports local precinct growth
• Is financially sustainable
• Makes efficient use of open space 

Why is the facility being built?

Stakeholder consultation and research found that demand has outstripped supply for indoor sports facilities for Willoughby and surrounding local government areas and that it’s expected to grow as the population expands. The consultation found that people are not participating in sports because of limited access to facilities.

The new indoor sports centre will help fill a gap in sports facilities in Willoughby and surrounding local government areas.

Current schemes being investigated

On 31 October 2022, Council resolved to investigate the feasibility of a smaller scheme from the originally endorsed option at the 8 March 2021 Council Meeting. The need for investigation has arisen due to an increase in the current funding gap owing to increases in inflation, materials, skilled labour and building margins.

Scope of current and potential smaller scheme:

	Current scheme	Smaller scheme
Key Facilities  - 6 Indoor Courts - Sports Hall - Health and Fitness - Multi-Purpose - Cafe - Retail Lease Space	m2 5,490 1,100 255 290 370 250	m2 5,490 nil nil 150 140 nil
Building Area	16,000	10,300
Building Footprint	7,500	6,500
Car Parking spaces	181	100
Estimated cost	$72.5M	$46.5M

Updates

Date	Update
April to June 2024	Finalising revised business case for smaller scheme on Gore Hill oval site. Considering alternative options within the precinct with relevant stakeholders. Report outcomes to Council when available.
November 2023 to March 2024	Finalising revised business case and considering alternative options with stakeholders. Reporting to Council on outcomes early 2024.
September to October 2023	Briefing to Council complete. Investigations on alternative options to deliver the project in the Gore Hill precinct with available capital funding are continuing.
July to August 2023	Pre-concept plans have been developed. Quantity surveyor report and business case are under review in preparation for a briefing to Council on 18 September 2023.