New Space In Zetland To Meet, Perform And Play

People in the bustling neighbourhood of Green Square now have more space to meet, perform and play. New halls and a sports court on the ground floor of the newly opened primary school on Zetland Avenue are now available for community use during evenings and weekends. There are also two separate rooms available for community hire day and night throughout the week. In an innovative state first, the City of Sydney and NSW Government will share the ongoing operation of the integrated school and community spaces. The City of Sydney contributed the site for the project and around $28m toward constructing Green Square Public School and Community Spaces. "Green Square is set to become one of the most densely populated neighbourhoods in Australia, and space is at an absolute premium. Together with the NSW Government, we've come up with a groundbreaking way of maximising the use of shared spaces for the entire community," Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said. "The ground floor of this multistorey building hosts two separate rooms for community hire at any time, plus a beautifully designed sports court, courtyard and two larger halls available to the public outside school hours. "Be it for a class, meeting, game or show, we look forward to welcoming you into these new community spaces." Two rooms are available for community hire any time of day or night, each seating up to 80 people for meetings, classes or functions. Outside school hours, the public can also access an outdoor court for netball, basketball and volleyball – from competitions and training to casual play. The hall features sprung floors, a small removable stage and lighting, making it ideal for performances, functions or classes with seating for up to 200 people. A 150-seat auditorium also has sprung floors and is perfect for shows, workshops and community gatherings. The hall is named after education advocate and Ngunnawal/Wiradjuri woman Aunty Fay Carroll. Dr Naomi Wing, who established the first rehabilitation unit for industrial accidents in NSW and worked at the hospital that formerly stood on this site, is honoured in the auditorium's name. A stunning artwork by Archibald Prize winner Blak Douglas called The Belly of the Feast is painted across the sports court. It draws inspiration from the 6,000-year-old hatchet-marked dugong bones unearthed nearby in 1896. Member for Heffron Ron Hoenig said:   "Green Square is transforming into one of Sydney's most densely populated precincts—home to more than 60,000 people by 2030, and one of the highest-density urban renewal areas in Australia.   "Ten years ago, I warned that with growth on this scale, infrastructure isn't optional—it's essential.   "Families need schools, community spaces, and the services that make a place liveable. Working with Council, that's exactly what the Minns Labor Government is delivering.  "This is part of our commitment to make sure Green Square doesn't just grow in numbers, but thrives as a liveable, connected neighbourhood."  The school and community spaces are close to other world-class local facilities including a library, pool and fitness hub, sports field, creative centre and community space, early education centre, parks and public artworks as well as Green Square train station. Visit cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/green-square-public-school-community-spaces to hire these spaces. The community spaces will be open to the public at an event including basketball demonstrations, coffee, gelato and a DJ on Saturday 18 October from 12:30pm to 1.30pm. Visit What's On to find out about other upcoming community events in Green Square.