CRICKET NSW hopes to build a $2.5 million indoor cricket training centre on land near Glenn McGrath Oval at Caringbah.
Representatives from Sutherland Shire junior, men’s and grade cricket and Cricket NSW have been investigating the possibility of establishing a Sutherland Shire Indoor Cricket Development Centre at Breen Park, Caringbah.
Former Australian Test cricket captain Steve Waugh and Cricket NSW officials met with Sutherland Shire mayor Kent Johns and councillors Carmelo Pesce and Tom Croucher in October to put their case. They had looked at a number of sites, including Sutherland Oval No. 1, Tonkin Oval and Gwawley South Oval.
But the area known as Glenn McGrath lower oval, or Caringbah No. 2 oval, is their preferred site because of the quality of its turf wicket, available land space and accessible location.
Sutherland Shire Council supported the development application in principle but asked Cricket NSW to look at other locations, including Waratah Park and Barden Ridge.
Cricket NSW proposes building eight indoor nets in a one or two-storey building in the central portion of the lower oval at Breen Park and promised financial commitment to the project.
There is also a proposal to apply for local, state and federal government grant funding if the plan proceeds.
Cricket NSW manager of state infrastructure Anthony Brooks described the project as a fantastic opportunity for the shire to help youth fulfil their potential and serve existing players from the area.
"We need a facility in Sydney's south to serve the young guys and girls who are coming through on their player pathway," Mr Brooks said.
"The only opportunity if they want to practise is to go to the SCG or Bankstown Memorial Oval. We really believe the shire has the chance to have world-class facilities, which will not only create jobs but attract international visitors."
A pre-development application meeting was held with the council in March. But a report by the council's planning staff found shortfalls in the plan, particularly regarding parking and the use of public land.
Cricket NSW was told the site was not suitable for the proposed development.
"The volume of space proposed to be built on will result in reduced ability of the site to function as an open recreation space for current and future residents," the report said.
The proposal will result in a reduction of passive recreation areas. The loss of green space is inconsistent with the implementation of the Caringbah Centre Strategy but there were significant benefits to the cricket and broader sporting communities, the report said.
What do you think of the proposal?
