Construction is underway on the $15 million Blacktown Disability Sports Centre.
Blacktown City Council and Disability Sports Australia are working together to deliver the indoor training facility at Blacktown International Sports Park, fully funded by the NSW Government’s Office of Sport.
Once completed, visitors to the new centre will have access to two multipurpose courts, which will be used for a variety of sports and activities.
One of the advantages of the centre will be support for balancing training with work, family and study commitments. This will be provided by customised amenities and fully accessible change rooms, the Council said in a statement.
Visitors can complement their training by using the gymnasium, aquatic recovery pool and accessible accommodation at the adjacent Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub (BEST).
School and community groups are among those expected to use the centre.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said the facility would attract people from across Sydney.
“The Blacktown Disability Sports Centre will give people of all abilities opportunities to use state of the art sports facilities,” he said.
“Blacktown International Sports Park is the premier venue of its kind in Western Sydney and Council is intent on keeping it that way.”
Disability Sports Australia CEO, Ayden Shaw, was also looking forward to the centre opening.
“This Blacktown Disability Sports Centre represents a significant step forward in addressing the participation discrepancy gap for people with disabilities who want to be active,” he said.
“By providing state-of-the-art facilities and tailored support, we are creating an inclusive environment where everyone can pursue their sporting ambitions.
“We are thrilled to see this purpose-built facility come to life and commend Blacktown City Council on its outstanding work to date. This centre will enhance the physical well-being of individuals and create a sense of community and belonging.”
The centre will be able to accommodate:
- 8 x seated badminton courts
- 2 x wheelchair basketball courts
- 8 x boccia courts
- 3 x volleyball courts
- 16 wheelchair fencing courts
- 3 x seated volleyball courts
- 1 wheelchair rugby training court
- 2 x goalball courts
The centre is due to be completed in mid-2025. It will complement the nearby Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub, which provides state of the art facilities for training, sports medicine, rehabilitation, research and education, as well as accommodation, a café and play space.
The Australian Catholic University, Sydney West Sports Medicine, AFL NSW and WentWest partnered in the design of the hub and are benefiting from its services.