More than five years after it was mooted, the final designs have finally been lodged for the $25.1 million Campbelltown Sport and Health Centre of Excellence.
When it is completed – no schedule has been provided at this stage – it will include indoor recovery pool and sports courts, gym and program areas, elite training spaces, Western Sydney University health and research facilities, Macarthur FC Bulls administration and training space and a café.
The centre will be built on a site in Macarthur Heights, within the Campbelltown campus of Western Sydney University.
As well as bringing a world class sporting facility to Campbelltown and the outer South West Sydney region, there will be an economic benefit as well.
It is expected the project will create 250 construction jobs as well as support an anticipated workforce of 110 through Macarthur FC and 25 fulltime Western Sydney University jobs, with space available to support up to 50 researchers and 750 students.
About 30 more jobs will be created in administration and operational roles at the centre, with additional employment opportunities to be realised from future tenancies within the facility.
This project is jointly funded with the Federal Government investing $7.2 million, the NSW Government $1.58 million, Campbelltown City Council $15 million and Western Sydney University $1.4 million.
“This is a world class facility designed to meet the demands of our elite sporting community and be adaptable to future needs,” says Campbelltown mayor George Brticevic.
“The Campbelltown Sports and Health Centre of Excellence will deliver the facilities that our region deserves to help our many current and future elite athletes fulfil their potential and reach the pinnacle of their sport,’’ he said.
Aboriginal elders have been consulted as part of the design process to honour the customs and relationship of the Dharawal people to the Macarthur Heights site as part of Campbelltown Council’s Aboriginal interpretation strategy.
“The new architectural design incorporates Indigenous themes and is the first example of our Aboriginal interpretation strategy in action, showcasing Aboriginal cultural themes in our public infrastructure,” Cr Brticevic said.
“The building draws inspiration from the site’s cultural heritage and importance as a traditional meeting place for local and travelling communities.
“Other important design considerations centred around the Lyrebird, a symbol of peace and reconciliation within the Dharawal community, and the inclusion of native grasses in the landscaping around the site which can be used in weaving.”
Liberal senator Marise Payne said the new design would put the centre on the map.
“The incorporation of Indigenous motifs reflects a strong sense of place that is truly unique – it’s a design we can all be proud of,” Senator Payne said.
“The centre will be a magnet for first class sporting talent at a regional level as well as a community health hub, all under one roof.”
Campbelltown Council has also worked closely with Western Sydney University and consulted the facility’s anchor tenant, Macarthur FC, to prepare the designs.
Western Sydney University vice-chancellor and president, Professor Barney Glover, said that the Sport and Health Centre of Excellence demonstrates the university’s ongoing commitment to Campbelltown and its growing population.
“This initiative sits alongside the university’s investment in the Macarthur Medical Research Centre, and the provision of world class educational and research opportunities at our Campbelltown campus for more than 30 years,” Mr Glover said.
“Now more than ever, the university is committed to driving investment and recovery to ensure this vitally important economic and cultural centre thrives in the decades ahead,” he said.
“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Campbelltown City Council and Macarthur FC on the Campbelltown Sport and Health Centre of Excellence – catering to elite athletes and the wider community, improving health and fitness outcomes for the region and cementing our role as the anchor institution.’’
