Beaches Champion:
– Why does North Manly Squash Club have to vacate premises in 90 days?
– Has the DA for the site been approved?
– Why are there no squash courts in the Master Plan?
– What consultation has Council had with Manly Squash Club?
– What assurances can Council give Manly Squash Club that there will be squash courts at Warringah Recreation Centre?
– Is any portion of $5 million specifically dedicated to upgrade of the squash courts?
Northern Beaches Council:
“Northern Beaches Council is planning to build a new multi-sport facility at North Manly, on the site of the current squash centre. The upgraded Warringah Recreation Centre will have at a minimum three indoor squash courts and spectator seating, fully accessible public amenities, changerooms, community storage, five new synthetic tennis courts with floodlights, as well as footpaths, bike racks and landscaping.
“Separate to this project, as part of wider precinct improvements within District Park, a new golf clubhouse will be constructed, as well as two new public carparks. The clubhouse including all construction, design, and project management will be funded entirely by Warringah Golf Club while Council will fund the construction of the two carparks.
“A development application was lodged by Warringah Golf Club on 30 November 2022 (DA2022/2081). Council has requested additional information prior to public exhibition and determination.
“Current operators at the Warringah Recreation Centre have recently been given notice to vacate by 11 April 2023 and advised should there be delays with the Development Assessment process a further holding over period is possible .
“Council has been in regular discussions with the three operators at Warringah Recreation Centre and all were aware that Warringah Golf Club was lodging a Development Application. Council has worked closely with local sporting bodies, including Squash NSW, to understand their needs for the new recreation centre.
“Council continues to assist in identifying opportunities to find alternate squash court facilities during the construction phase of the new multisport building.
“The timing for the demolition of the existing buildings will be confirmed once the DA for the Golf Club has been finalised.
“Please see our recent media release about the funding announcement.”
Mayor Michael Regan:
“The upgraded Warringah Recreation Centre will serve the changing needs of the community and allow for a wider range of sports, across a wider range of ages and levels.
“Multi-purpose facilities are the way of the future, offering far better assets for the whole community to enjoy now and into the future.
“The new recreation centre will be flexible, multi-purpose, intergenerational, and accessible for all. It will support the local squash and tennis community and support the next generation of sportspeople.”