New Lane Cove Sport & Recreation Centre breaks ground

In August 2023, John Whittingham and Sarah Slattery from AJC Architects joined Lane Cove Councillors and staff, NSW Government delegates, sporting group leaders and contractors to celebrate turning the first sod on construction.

The design by AJC takes full advantage of its special site at 180 River Road, Lane Cove. Nestled within the Gore Creek valley on Cameraygal Country, the new three-level building will include 4 indoor and 4 outdoor sports courts, 6 multipurpose rooms totalling 780m² of flexible space, an ‘internal promenade’ with views of the various activities, a bistro and outdoor dining area, a new golf pro shop, amenities and change facilities and a naturally ventilated car park with 234 car parking spaces, including electric vehicle charging stations.

Lane Cove Mayor Andrew Zbik is hugely supportive of the new facility, saying: “This will be a great centre where local residents of all ages and abilities will be able to come and play – whether that be for dancing, sport or enjoying some social and recreational activities.”

A bespoke sustainability framework was developed for the project, alongside ESD consultant Steensen Varming. The sports halls and multipurpose rooms are naturally cross ventilated, multipurpose rooms and sports halls all have access to northern light and bushland views, embodied carbon has been reduced through thoughtful material selection and structural design and the project includes a significant solar panel array and water harvesting.

Sarah Slattery, AJC Studio Lead said: “It’s very exciting to reach this major milestone for the project. It will be a community hub, bringing a diverse range of people together, promoting health and wellbeing, and showcasing Council’s commitment to sustainability. The building itself will allow more people to share in the remarkable Lane Cove landscape of bushland swathes, sandstone escarpments and interconnected waterways.”