Wiigulga Sports Complex Celebrated by Thousands

The official opening of the Wiigulga Sports Complex has been celebrated by thousands of NSW Coffs Coast community members, guests and dignitaries attending the Open Day on 3 December 2022.

The brand new $28.8 million multipurpose sports facility is set to be a game changer for the community with the dynamic precinct brought to life through the building design which reflects the local Indigenous heritage as well as the multicultural mix of the Northern Beaches.

Populous Senior Principal and architect on the project, Belinda Goh said Wiigulga Sports Complex will become a thriving and attractive place for people of all ages, genders, abilities, cultures and social backgrounds.

“By designing a flexible community facility that can transform into a variety of spaces depending on the event, the facility will be able to host several different sporting codes as well as community functions and performances.

“This multi-purpose design has ensured Wiigulga Sports Complex will become a hub of sustainable activity, year-round,” Goh said.

Within the precinct are junior and senior size, multi-sport playing fields with lighting, primarily for the use of local AFL and Cricket, accessible changing rooms and toilets, a running and cycle track, a pump track, playground and balance play equipment.

Indoors there is a café, the Sangeet rooms – a versatile suite of rooms that can be used for private gatherings, or yoga, dance, pilates and meetings – plus a full-sized commercial kitchen for hire, use at events or for training.

The centrepiece is the huge main sports hall which can be used for a whole range of indoor sport including basketball, pickleball, netball, volleyball, badminton and futsal. Arranged around the courts are accessible changing rooms, toilets, large LED video screens and a high-tech sensory room.

The sports hall also features a large performance stage and backstage complex including a green room and dressing rooms. The hall can accommodate more than 1,000 people in performance mode.

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos said it had been an outstanding project on all kinds of levels.

“First and foremost, it’s been a fantastic example of what can be achieved when all three levels of government work together to realise a dream created and led by community passion and commitment.

“This is a moment to savour. The Wiigulga Sports Complex is a wonderful facility that is going to become a focal point for families and sport across the region and beyond,” Amos said.

Kevin Hogan MP, Federal Member for Page said it was great to see the construction completed.

“This facility will be great for local families and sporting clubs. It will allow us to attract major sporting and cultural events. Additionally, it has created jobs and will be a great economic driver for the community.”

The project received funding from the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund, the State Government and City of Coffs Harbour. Construction commenced in November 2021 and completed on time for the Open Day celebrations and is now open for the community to use.