Set within the bushland of Cammeraygal Country, Lane Cove Council says its new Galuwa Recreation Centre has been designed as a place where sport, nature and community life intersect.
Designed by AJC Architects, the tri-level facility includes four indoor and four outdoor multi-sport courts, flexible community rooms, a bistro with outdoor dining, a golf pro shop and supporting amenities. The centre provides a new model of golf course regeneration and has created a welcoming destination for people of all ages and abilities to meet, play and stay active, the Council says.
Named ‘Galuwa’ – meaning ‘to climb’ in the language of local First Nations peoples – the project reflects ideas of challenge, growth and collective achievement.
“The building sits gently within its bushland setting, layering and connecting people, nature and physical activity. The building is organised around an internal promenade that enables natural ventilation and visual connections between all spaces,” Council said in a statement.
“The building was conceived as a canvas for nature, allowing all the light and shadow, scents and sounds of the surrounding bushland to permeate. From the outset, our ambition was to create a recreation centre that layers and connects people, nature and physical activity.” said Studio Lead – Design at AJC Architects, Sarah Slattery.
The site presented significant constraints, bounded by a golf course, a sandstone escarpment and a major road. The building has been carefully nestled into the topography, with larger volumes positioned away from surrounding homes and roof forms stepping with the natural fall of the land.
“Despite its scale, the architecture is intentionally light and permeable,” said Director at AJC Architects, John Whittingham.
“Sweeping roof forms hover above the landscape, while framed views through the building maintain a constant relationship with the surrounding bushland.”
Council says a bespoke sustainability framework guided the project including a 500kW solar array, rainwater harvesting, EV charging, natural ventilation and DarkSky lighting design to minimise light spill to local flora and fauna. Extensive tree canopy replacement and landscape integration further strengthen the project’s environmental response.
“Galuwa Recreation Centre is a landmark new facility for the Lane Cove community,” said Director – Major Projects at Lane Cove Council, Sebastian Stivala.
“The centre provides flexible spaces for sport and recreation, supporting sporting clubs, schools and community groups while demonstrating Council’s commitment to healthy, connected and sustainable communities.”
The project was recently shortlisted for the COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture in the 2026 NSW Architecture Awards.
