The rapidly growing Ryde area is set to benefit from a huge new local multi-sports facility being delivered by the Minns Labor Government, with construction now underway on the site.
The facility is being built on the former site of Marsden High School following the relocation of the school to the Meadowbank Education Precinct in 2022.
Once complete the new facility will provide a range of community and sporting spaces with a focus on netball, one of NSW's highest participation sports, while also catering for growing sports such as basketball, futsal and badminton.
It will deliver a new 5,000 square metre indoor facility including 4 multipurpose courts and other indoor spaces, as well as outdoor facilities including 29 netball courts with amenities, communal space with open lawns, picnic tables and seating, and new car and bicycle parking spaces.
These new courts will replace existing rundown netball courts located on top of an old rubbish tip at Meadowbank Park.
As the NSW Government delivers more housing for young people and families, this project will also ensure that the community has access to world class sporting facilities and recreational spaces on their doorstep.
This multi-sports facility, was initially promised by the former Liberal National government in 2018 but they failed to even begin construction on the project. The facility will be delivered by the Minns Labor Government in 2026.
This project is part of the Minns Labor Government's commitment to building a better NSW by providing the essential infrastructure growing communities deserve.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"This huge new facility that we're delivering will create much needed sports and recreational space for this rapidly growing community.
"With over 30 new outdoor and indoor courts to open space, picnic areas and parking, this will be a great community space that people can come and enjoy whether they play sport or not.
"For years, this block was left to sit vacant. Now we're turning it into a world class sporting facility that everyone will be able to use."
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
"We are pleased to have begun construction on this new multi-sports facility, which will benefit local students and the broader community alike after years of delays under the Liberals.
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring growing communities across NSW are equipped with the infrastructure they need - whether that's new or upgraded schools, or high quality sporting facilities for the whole community.
"Labor is committed to ensuring public assets continue to benefit the public, which is why we are redeveloping this former school site into a much-needed community sport facility."
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
"We are focused on building better communities and that means ensuring everyone has access to grassroots sporting infrastructure.
"We look forward to this space becoming a vibrant community sporting hub for the entire community to enjoy."
Member for Bennelong Jerome Laxale said:
"With the state government committed to a new school at Melrose Park, this investment in sporting facilities for our region is crucial.
"Netball has long suffered in Ryde at substandard facilities in Meadowbank. This huge boost will support all players of all ages and provide much needed indoor sports facilities locally."
Councillor for City of Ryde Lyndal Howison said:
"I'm delighted that this regional sports facility will be located in Ryde. The Minns government is delivering a bright, community future for the former site of Marsden High School.
"Our community has waited long enough to see it come back to life and I thank local residents and ERNA for engaging so constructively in this long process. I want to reassure residents that I will keep listening to them as we watch this site take on an important new role."
Eastwood Ryde Netball Association (ERNA) President, Karen Waud said:
"Eastwood Ryde Netball Association are very excited about the commencing of the construction phase of our netball journey at our new facility.
"With 4 indoor courts, 29 outdoor courts, and café facilities, it will offer a fantastic experience for players and fans alike. This will be wonderful for our sports loving community in the City of Ryde.
"City of Ryde is growing, and so is the demand for quality sporting facilities.
"This is a big milestone for Eastwood Ryde Netball Association and all our members."
