The Heffron Centre has reached a new milestone with public exhibition of the plans for the new facility now available.

Designed by award-winning Co-op Studio, the design was shaped by community consultation and inspired by the landscape, culture and people of Randwick City.

The project has been funded by State and Federal governments, Randwick City Council and South Sydney Rabbitohs, to invest in local participation in sport.

The Heffron Centre will feature a new indoor community multi-purpose facility with sports halls to accommodate community sports, including netball, basketball, badminton, volleyball and futsal, alongside a dedicated gymnastics facility. A café and plaza area are also included.

The centre is designed to maximise natural light and ventilation reducing the use of air conditioning and electricity, rooftop solar panels, rainwater and stormwater collection, bicycle parking and charging infrastructure to cater for the growth in electric vehicles.

Dune style planting will integrate the building into the park. New landscaping will include Australian native grasses reflecting the coastline and more than 100 new native trees and shrubs will be planted. New seating areas will face the popular criterium track and new cycle and pedestrian paths will connect with popular existing routes.

“This is an important investment in the health and wellbeing of our community. We have designed a facility which is adaptable to cater for the changing needs of our community, water and energy efficient reducing the impact on our environment and using durable materials minimising future maintenance costs” explains Randwick Mayor Danny Said.

“This project will transform this part of Heffron Park into an active and vibrant place for the entire community,” says Danny Said.

Also home to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, the Community and High-Performance Centre will house the team’s headquarters, training facilities, a new showcase NRL training field, merchandise store, and a new base for Souths Cares to double their health, education and employment programs for communities across South Sydney and broader NSW. Public access to the theatre and community meeting rooms in this building will also be provided.

Subject to development approval, construction is anticipated to commence in mid-2021 and estimated to be open in late 2022.

The project is a shared vision between Council, its key Project partner the South Sydney District Rugby League Football Club (Rabbitohs) and the NSW State Government (through the Office of Sport).