The detailed design was finalised late last year, followed by a tender process for construction services.
Council states it anticipates works will commence in April 2025.
Sporting groups and other hirers will still be able to use the grounds during construction.
Background
In 2020 the council resolved to deliver female friendly change facilities at Pittwater Rugby Park, home of Warringah Rugby Club, The Rats.
The proposed alterations and additions will see the delivery of female friendly change rooms to supplement the existing two change rooms located within the grounds.
Council states it exhibited the proposal from Wednesday 25 October to Tuesday 21 November 2023 and received 150 responses with 97% supporting the proposal and 3% supporting the proposal with changes. No objections were raised.
The project design phase was extended to incorporate cost savings in response to the pre-tender cost estimate report.
Council states the design has minor changes regarding building fabric, but that the proposed location and layout of the proposed new building is consistent with the plans exhibited in 2023.
The project is funded by the NSW Government in association with the council, under the Female Friendly Community Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Grant Program.
The state government provided $500,000.00 under the program.
An additional $500,000.00 was provided for Frank Gray Oval (John Fisher Park), 1 Abbott Rd, North Curl Curl; This project will reconfigure the clubhouse at Frank Gray Oval, provide upgraded change rooms to address both gender equality and serious safety concerns, as well as a construct a new dedicated change facility with shower and lockers for referees & officials. The canteen will be refitted providing additional storage capacity and improved function, and the addition of secure storage rooms for four sporting codes increases capacity and amenity for all players, officials and volunteers. The provision of public amenities including two ambulant, two unisex and one accessible toilets complete the upgrade providing a functional, accessible and necessary public asset.
A further $100,000.00 was provided under the program to upgrade the floodlights at Abbott Road Softball Grounds (John Fisher Park), Abbott Rd, North Curl Curl.
The Northern Sydney and Beaches Hockey Association applied for grant funding for a Narrabeen Sports Academy Hockey Facility Lighting Upgrade; for the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation (Narrabeen Sports Academy), Wakehurst Pkwy. The proposal was to upgrade the existing underutilised former cricket training facility at the Academy by installing contemporary energy efficient LED lighting to enable year-round use for both summer and winter users. The project also includes providing additional storage capacity adjacent to the facility. This was allocated $92,000.00 under the grant program but was withdrawn by the applicant.
Projects allocated grant funding under the program were expected to commence by 30 June 2023 and be completed by 30 June 2025.
Council states the new change rooms are designed to conform with Rugby AU National Facility Guidelines along with objectives and design principles for female friendly change facilities as set out by the NSW Office of Sport.
Artists concept drawing of new female friendly change rooms for Warriewood/North Narrabeen
The new facilities will include lockable shower and toilet cubicles to ensure dignified inclusion, along with accessible toilet and shower facilities.
Due to flood risk, the building will be raised. This section of the Warriewood to North Narrabeen landscape is a floodplain.
Council states the building design also encourages natural ventilation across the change spaces along with energy and water-efficient solutions. The building location and use are consistent with the council’s Masterplan for North Narrabeen Reserve.
The new female-friendly change facilities will enable both male and female teams to be hosted on the same day. The Warringah Rugby Club hosts various events throughout the year which are often held concurrently at the grounds, including women’s rugby sevens competitions, gala days, Shute Shield, and women’s Jack Scott Cup matches. The inclusive design is set to enhance the experience for all participants.
Council states it has worked closely with key stakeholders, including Warringah Rugby Club, in finalising details.
The Concept Plans are available on the council's project webpage for perusal.
This will be a boon for all girls and women who use Pittwater Rugby Park and North Narrabeen Reserve for their sports.
In closing, a few words about women's rugby from Warringah's Ratettes - in celebrating Women's Day 2025, Women's Week, and here at the news service, an all year round celebration.
Video courtesy Pittwater RSL.