Stockland’s $21m sports precinct at The Gables gets thumbs-up from Hockeyroos and Kookaburras
Stockland has today opened the Central Playing Fields, a $21 million state-of-the-art sports precinct spanning 4.5 hectares in the heart of The Gables masterplanned community, located in the Hills Shire district.
Central Playing Fields is home to a premium hockey facility with a Fédération Internationale de Hockey Category 2 and Category 3 certification which allows the site to host international and national hockey games.
The precinct also features multipurpose sports fields for soccer and rugby, full-sized basketball courts for basketball, netball, tennis and futsal, as well as a skate park, rock climbing structure, and children’s playground. The community will have access to a fenced dog park and an amenities building with a canteen, change rooms and restrooms on site.
Stockland General Manager Masterplanned Communities NSW/ACT, Sophie Ale said Central Playing Fields is set to become a social and active hub for the community.
“The Gables Central Playing Fields will provide a space where local schools, sports clubs, residents and the wider community can stay active and make the most out of state-of-the-art sporting facilities,” Ms Ale said.
“The Gables is a vibrant and connected community, and the Central Playing Fields caters to a variety of sports, meaning there’s something for everyone – from athletes and fitness enthusiasts to casual visitors wanting to enjoy the dog park or a kickabout with friends on the fields.”
Kookaburras Coach, Mark Hager, and Hockeyroos Captain, Kaitlin Nobbs highlighted the importance of Central Playing Fields to the growth and support of hockey in the region.
“These Olympic-standard hockey pitches mean national and state championships can potentially be held onsite, giving young kids and budding players something to aspire to and encouraging more people to take up the sport. This precinct is an incredible investment in the growing area – the future of hockey is in good hands,” Mr Hager said.
“I think it is really important for young athletes to have access to world class facilities such as this one at The Gables. For athletes to succeed, it is very important to be able to train as much as they need to, and a facility such as this sets them up for success,” Ms Nobbs said.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said today is a historic occasion as we open our first competition standard hockey facility in The Hills.
“This incredible space will support our young hockey players as they train, play, and grow as athletes – perhaps even becoming a Hockeyroo or Kookaburra,” Dr Byrne said.
“Providing premier sporting facilities is central to Council’s strategy of creating pathways for residents to access elite sports and opportunities, as well as provide the Gables school, Santa Sophia College, with a dedicated place to play.”
Hockey NSW CEO, Matt Bulkeley said Hockey NSW was delighted that Stockland and the Hills Shire have developed an international standard hockey facility in western Sydney as part of The Gables community.
“There is a dearth of hockey fields in this part of Sydney and with two synthetic turf pitches and surrounding infrastructure, we now have a facility that will assist our commitment to grow and develop the sport in the region,” Mr Griffiths said.
This sporting complex forms part of The Gables community which is already home to 5,000 residents who enjoy easy access to parks and playgrounds, schools and a town centre currently under construction.
Central Playing Fields is located at 99 Fontana Drive, Gables. More information about Stockland The Gables, visit here.