sport and recreation reference group - north sydney council · north sydney synthetic field...

N O R T H S Y D N E Y C O U N C I L

Sport and Recreation Reference Group

Report SR05 - 08/10/13 Attachments:

1. North Sydney Council Synthetic Field Feasibility Study 2. Min No. 264 28/04/08: Synthetic Surface Sports Field Feasibility Study

SUBJECT: North Sydney Council Synthetic Field Feasibility Study AUTHOR: David Manson, Parks and Reserves Manager EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This report presents the North Sydney Council Synthetic Field Feasibility Study conducted in 2008 as well as the Council resolution of 28 April 2008 (Min No.264). The documents are attached for information. RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the information be received. Signed:

Endorsed by:

Director Open Space and Environmental Services

Report of David Manson, Parks and Reserves Manager Re: North Sydney Council Synthetic Field Feasibility Study

(2)

LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1 Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.4 Provide appropriate public open space, recreational facilities and services. BACKGROUND Consultants were commissioned in 2007 to undertake a Feasibility Study that investigates the potential development of either a synthetic soccer or synthetic hockey pitch in one of six nominated parks within North Sydney. At its meeting on 28 April 2008 Council, adopted the findings of the report. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The sustainability implications are of a minor nature and as such did not warrant a detailed assessment. DETAIL The Study was one of the high priority recommendations from the Recreation Needs Study completed in 2005. The Study analysed the requirements and needs of key stakeholders, the demand for both soccer and hockey and identified the most appropriate development option, which will suit both park and sport needs. A draft final report was received early in 2008 that recommended:

1. Council proceed with the installation of a synthetic surface for soccer at Cammeray Park, as a priority. 2. Council should install an FFA approved surface with a star rating of 2. 3. Council seek formal quotations for the installation of such a surface from at least two suppliers. 4. Council consider the provision for a synthetic hockey pitch at Primrose Park at a later date.

After its circulation to all members of the North Sydney Sport and Recreation Reference Group, the consultants’ report was discussed at the fourth meeting of the Reference Group on 19 February 2008. The Group resolved to request the consultants to consult with the Sydney University Hockey Club (Juniors) who were not consulted in the preparation of the draft final report. Subsequently, the consultants held discussions with a representative of the Club as well as discussions with the newly nominated representative of Wenona College and submitted a final report to reflect the results of these discussions. The report’s recommendations remained unchanged. The Mayor and Councillors were each circulated with a copy of the Final Report on 21 April 2008. At its meeting on 28 April 2008, Council adopted the findings of the report:

Report of David Manson, Parks and Reserves Manager Re: North Sydney Council Synthetic Field Feasibility Study

(3)

THAT Council proceed with the planning and design of an FFA approved synthetic surface for soccer with a star rating of 2 at Cammeray Park, as a priority. THAT Council continue to work in partnership with the sport of Hockey, including local Hockey Clubs and interested Schools, towards the provision of a synthetic hockey pitch at Primrose Park.

SydneyNorth

Council

Synthetic FieldFeasibility Study

28/2/08

NORTH SYDNEY SYNTHETIC FIELD FEASIBILITY STUDY: FINAL REPORT 1

About th is do cumen t

This document is the Final Feasibility Report that investigates the potential development of either a synthetic soccer or synthetic hockey pitch in one of six nominated parks within North Sydney.

It has been prepared by sport and leisure planners @leisure.

This Report analyses the requirements and needs of key stakeholders, the demand for both soccer and hockey and identifies the most appropriate development option, which will suit both park and sport needs.

Acknowle dgem ent s

@leisure wish to acknowledge the support and assistance provided by individuals and groups who participated in stakeholder meetings, workshops and interviews.

In particular, @leisure would like to acknowledge the significant level of information and knowledge contributed to the study by the following organisations:

- North Sydney Council

- Football Federation Australia (FFA)

- TigerTurf

- TEAM Sports

@leisure also acknowledge the support, assistance and direction provided throughout the study by the following individuals:

- Rob Emmerson

- Emmaline Callaghan

- Peter Devlin

Rear 534 Mt Alexander Road

ASCOT VALE VIC 3032 Ph. (03) 9326 1662

Fax: (03) 9326 0991

Email: [email protected] www.jeavons.com.au

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or

transmitted in any form, by any means, without the prior written permission of the

North Sydney Council and JEAVONS & JEAVONS Pty Ltd

Rear 534 Mt Alexander Road

Ascot Vale Vic 3032 Ph: 03 9326 1662

Fax: 03 9326 0991 Email: [email protected]

www.atleisure.com.au

28/2/08

NORTH SYDNEY SYNTHETIC FIELD FEASIBILITY STUDY: FINAL REPORT

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT................................................................................................ 1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................. 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS.............................................................................................. 2 1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 4 1.1 THE PROJECT........................................................................................................ 4 1.2 PREVIOUS PROJECTS ........................................................................................... 6 1.3 EXISTING FACILITIES ............................................................................................. 6

2. CURRENT CONTEXT ....................................................................................... 8 2.1 SOCCER................................................................................................................ 8 2.2 HOCKEY................................................................................................................ 9 2.3 TRENDS IN SYNTHETIC SURFACES....................................................................... 10

3. KEY FINDINGS ................................................................................................ 13 3.1 DEMAND ............................................................................................................. 13 3.2 SYNTHETIC SURFACE BENEFITS FOR BOTH SPORTS ............................................ 14 3.3 RECOMMENDED SITE OPTION.............................................................................. 15

4. ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS........................................... 17 4.1 ASSESSMENT METHODS...................................................................................... 17 4.2 ANDERSON PARK................................................................................................ 18 4.3 CAMMERAY PARK ............................................................................................... 19 4.4 FORSYTH PARK................................................................................................... 20 4.5 PRIMROSE PARK................................................................................................. 21 4.6 TUNKS PARK....................................................................................................... 22 4.7 WAVERTON PARK ............................................................................................... 23

5. PARTICIPATION AND DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS .................................. 24 5.1 IMPLICATIONS FOR SPORT OF LOCAL DEMOGRAPHICS ......................................... 24 5.2 EXISTING AND PROJECTED SPORTS PARTICIPATION ............................................ 26 5.3 LOCAL SPORTS TRENDS...................................................................................... 27 5.4 CAPACITY OF EXISTING FACILITIES TO MEET FUTURE DEMAND............................. 29 5.5 TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS SUMMARY .................................................................... 31

6. RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................... 32 7. ATTACHMENTS.............................................................................................. 33 ATTACHMENT 1: SITE SELECTION CRITERIA ............................................................... 33 ATTACHMENT 2: COMMENTS AND SCORES BY SITE..................................................... 34 ATTACHMENT 3: RATINGS FOR EACH DEVELOPMENT SITE .......................................... 46 ATTACHMENT 4: EVALUATION CRITERIA WEIGHTING MATRIX....................................... 47 ATTACHMENT 5: WEIGHTED SCORES BY SITE AND FINAL RANKING............................ 48 ATTACHMENT 6: ESTIMATED PROBABLE CAPITAL COSTS............................................. 49 ATTACHMENT 7: SYNTHETIC SURFACE CONSTRUCTION VARIATIONS ......................... 50

-

28/2/08


3

■ Maps c ontained i n thi s re port

Map 1: The six park development options

■ Tabl es c ont aine d in t hi s Re port

Table 1: Estimated probably cost synthetic vs turf

Table 2: Synthetic surface benefits per sport

Table 3: Demographic implications for sport

Table 4: Population projections by locality 2006 – 2021

Table 5: Projected participation by sport 2021

Table 6: Club membership numbers

Table 7: School participation in soccer and hockey

Table 8: Existing soccer pitch supply in North Sydney

Table 9: The selection criteria that has been used and weighted, to assist in determining the best development option

Table 10: Selection criteria for development option 1






Table 16: Ratings for each development site

Table 17: Weighting matrix

Table 18: Weighted scores

28/2/08


4

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 The projec t

The purpose of this project was to explore the feasibility of establishing a synthetic sports field at one of six sports ground locations within North Sydney Council. The need for this study and the subsequent investigation into synthetic surface alternatives, is due to a combination of local and sports specific factors, including:

- increased demand for new and existing sporting activities on existing facilities

- existing high levels of sports ground use by local schools, clubs and social players

- the changing length in sporting seasons and additional demand for access to year-round training facilities

- the current condition and ongoing maintenance and resource requirements of grassed fields

- inconsistencies and uncertainty regarding water availability in the future.

There was a need to identify whether a synthetic sports surface (for soccer and/or hockey) will best address identified demand, and secondly, to identify the most cost effective and appropriate location for it to be developed.

■ Methodology

In determining the feasibility of any new facility with a specialised sports surface we are conscious that some choices have to be made. These included the following for this study:

- high initial capital cost versus high recurrent cost

- co-location or joint use

- choice of surface to meet one, two or multi needs and sports

- single purpose or multi purpose

- potential scheduling, cost of use and the ability to serve a large number of players

The project focused equally on a range of clubs, their requirements and resources. Those requirements and resources were then placed in context with the costs of providing and operating a synthetic surface, in conjunction with the objectives, policies and organisational values of peak bodies and Council.

Key tasks that were undertaken to complete the project included:

- conducting a workshop with relevant Council staff to understand key issues for Council, potential demands and likely development models

- reviewing available documents / strategies, population projections, local and state participation data and current sports trend information

- conducting telephone interviews with relevant clubs and stakeholders identified by Council

- visiting all six designated sites with relevant Council staff and evaluate each based on site, location and success criteria established with key stakeholders

- determining the nature of the most viable form of facility having regard to the market estimates and success criteria derived from the consultation

28/2/08


5

- commenting on possible environmental impacts regarding the development of a synthetic sports surface compared to existing natural turf surfaces; and

- preparing recommendations regarding any preferred synthetic surface product, based on product research.

■ Consultat i on

The consultation phase was conducted in two separate parts:

A workshop with relevant Council staff, and telephone interviews of sporting clubs and schools in the area, including tenants of existing sportsgrounds and peak sporting bodies.

The following is a list of stakeholders who were interviewed in the consultation process.

- Falcon Soccer Club

- North Sydney Bears Soccer Club

- North Sydney Soccer Club

- Glebe Women’s Sports Hockey Club

- Mosman Women’s Hockey Club

- Gordon North Sydney Hockey Club

- Sydney University Hockey Club - Juniors

- Football NSW

- Sydney Hockey Association

- Hockey NSW

- Ku-ring-gai and District Soccer Association

- Football Federation Australia (FFA)

Schools interviewed included:

- Monte Sante Angelo

- North Sydney Boys

- Marist College

- SCEGGS Redlands

- Shore – Church of England Grammar School

- St Aloysius College

- Wenona

28/2/08


6

1.2 Previou s Proje ct s

■ Proposed al l wea the r pla ying f iel d – Pri mrose Park ( 1990)

A submission was received from the North Sydney District Hockey Club and the North Shore Women’s Hockey Association regarding a proposal to replace an existing turf hockey field at Primrose Park with a synthetic all-weather surface.

The proposal outlined that the construction and maintenance costs would be jointly funded by the hockey clubs in return for a 20 year lease of the ground and existing clubhouse facilities.

The clubs believed that the construction of a synthetic hockey field would provide the two clubs with an all-weather, first grade surface. The amount of people using the area would have increased dramatically allowing a majority of the hockey played within the municipality to be played on this proposed field and thus freeing up at least one field at Forsyth Park to be used for another recreational activity during the winter months. As the proposal was primarily self-funded, Council would not need to have provided any expenditure for the construction or maintenance of the artificial surface for the proposed 20-year lease period.

The resolution from the Primrose Park Report (1990) was to reject the proposal on the grounds that exclusive use of an existing facility would alienate the local community who use the park for uses other than the organised sport.

The reduction in available cricket grounds would have aggravated the North Sydney District Cricket Club, and their members, who currently require all available wickets on match days.

As the proposal would have increased usage during the day and evening, it would have therefore generated a consequent increase in vehicular traffic.

1.3 Exis t ing fa ci l i t ie s

Six sites within the North Sydney municipality were nominated as proposed development sites for a synthetic field, they included:

■ Anderson Park

■ Cammeray Park

■ Forsyth Park

■ Primrose Park

■ Tunks Park

■ Waverton Park

A map showing the six different parks in the North Sydney area is provided below.

28/2/08


7

Map 1 – The six park development options

1 – Anderson Park 2 – Cammeray Park 3 – Forsyth Park 4 – Primrose Park 6 – Tunks Park 7 – Waverton Park Note: Site No.5 was withdrawn by Council as a development option

28/2/08


8

2. CURRENT CONTEXT

2.1 Socc er

There is considerable growth in demand for soccer nationally, especially at the junior level. However, this growth has not necessarily been translated into additional club participants due, in part, to a lack of facilities and the inability of clubs to cater for additional players.

In recent years there has been considerable growth in indoor soccer, and futsal (the four and five aside indoor games) this may be in part due to latent demand for, but inability of all players being able to play outdoors.

There also appears to be an increase in demand for soccer clinics and development programs.

Unlike many other mainstream outdoor grass team sports soccer in NSW has a very strong (and growing) female participation at school, and in club competitions.

Typically, soccer clubs have not had access to good quality grounds enjoyed by other sports that have had historical links with a ground, and there is an increasing demand for better quality pitches, as well as a greater number of pitches at the one site to enhance the viability of soccer clubs.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the standards required of facilities including field sizes, standards of lighting, fencing player races etc.

The FFA has indicated that they wish to move to smaller field sizes for juniors in coming years, partly to assist in meeting demand and also to increase the standard of foot skills of Australian players.

With the increasing use of synthetic pitches and junior use of full sized pitches, there is a tendency for games to include a considerable amount of long kicks rather than good footwork and ball control.

It is anticipated FFA will continue to support the development of multiple junior and futsal sized synthetic pitches.

In other states the provision of home grounds with social and support facilities is largely club based. This is not the model used in North Sydney principally due to the limited number of multiple fields in the one location, and the inability to accommodate club activities on the relatively small grounds. With the provision of synthetic surfaces there is likely to be a move away from the club based facility model prevalent elsewhere to providing central synthetic pitches with a number of clubs having their games scheduled there.

There is a move to more outdoor synthetic soccer and futsal pitches, especially due to the drought. These surfaces for clubs games do not as yet have wide player appeal, especially at the junior level.

Currently there is only one other full sized public synthetic soccer ground in the Sydney metropolitan area. There are several outdoor synthetic futsal pitches in the ANZAC club in North Sydney. See image below.

Image 1: Futsal courts at ANZAC Club, North Sydney

28/2/08


9

2.2 Hock ey

Fifteen years ago high level hockey games moved to synthetic pitches. Since that time there has been a significant increase in the number of games played on synthetic grass including juniors and a move from sand based pitches towards water based synthetic pitches.

The nature of the surface has had a significant impact on how hockey is played, scheduled and funded. Large capital outlays are required every 10 or so years to provide new carpet and clubs typically need to play on the fields for long hours to generate revenue for resurfacing.

Developments in synthetic surfaces have meant a move away from weekend competition play to midweek use under lights. Clubs without synthetic grounds are dependant on hiring others, and sometimes travel considerable distance to do so. These issues appear to have produced a slight decline in participation in hockey as a club sport (in areas where facilities are not accessible).

The trend away from installing sand based synthetic surfaces toward introducing wet / water based surfaces has been constrained due to the lack of water. There are several water-based pitches in Victoria that are unable to be played upon. This leaves them vulnerable to damage as the sub-base shrinks the carpet and seams may be affected.

Within the North Sydney area, it is evident that the participation levels in hockey have been stable if not decreasing over the past few years. This can be contributed to having no synthetic pitch in North Sydney and the need to travel to play on synthetic surfaces all over Sydney. Juniors not being able to view the seniors play adds further pressure

to player numbers and the culture of hockey. All senior teams have to travel to Sydney Olympic Park, Macquarie University and other pitches across the state to play their games because it is a requirement of the league to play on synthetic surfaces and not the turf pitches that currently exist in North Sydney.

A decline in juniors places the club in a difficult situation. The club also has to actively encourage socialisation between juniors and seniors.

Consultation with hockey clubs indicated that there was a serious shortage of synthetic hockey pitches in the Sydney metropolitan area. As a result of the limited number of facilities clubs are forced to train later and weekend competition hours starting earlier.

28/2/08


10

2.3 Trends in synth etic surfa ce s

Synthetic surfaces have been most successful where there is a need to accommodate intensive sporting use and where it can be scheduled. Synthetic surfaces are expensive to install and have a finite life span. The benefits commonly attributed to synthetic fields include that they:

■ require less intensive maintenance than turf

■ result in low per user costs, if used intensively

■ may create additional space by reducing the need for multiple grass surfaces

■ offer the convenience of not having to re-mark, mow or roll the surface before every event

■ generally reduce the need for cancellation of fixtures due to ground conditions

■ provide more predictable and hence safer surfaces for play (especially in hockey) and are suitable for use by players of all standards

■ may be easier for volunteer staff to maintain to safety standards;

■ enhance the opportunity to conduct regional and higher level events

Disadvantages commonly attributed to synthetic surfaces are that they:

■ are hotter to play on (although hockey is mostly played in winter), reflect ultraviolet radiation more than turf and shed more glare

■ may lose the opportunity for casual recreation in times when fields are not in use

■ raise environmental issues in terms of heat absorption and use of chemicals to control algae, and in the case of wet pitches: water usage

■ need management presence during games - to water before games and monitor footwear and the cleaning of shoes prior to play

■ are costly to repair (e.g. fire, storm or water damage, subsidence, wear and tear and vandalism) and costly to replace (every 7-10 years)

■ generally require fencing of an otherwise open space

■ will require the fields to be lit – and hence may impact on residential amenity due to light spillage and noise at night

A significant trend in synthetic hockey surfaces sees clubs moving away from installing sand-based surfaces, to installing either a water-based surface or a new hybrid surface, which can be played on wet or dry.

The main advantage of a water-based pitch is the way that it plays. The speed, the feel and the style of play are all said to be compromised by a sand-based surface. In addition player safety is

28/2/08


11

also higher on a wet based pitch. Over time, the texture of a sand-based surface becomes harsher and more abrasive to players falling on the surface.

Recently there has been a shift away from both water and sand-based surfaces to one that contains both. Hybrid surfaces are being installed in both Australia and New Zealand and have had international matches played on them. Although they have not been approved for play at an Olympic level, in 10 years time both wet and sand-based may become obsolete.

■ Cost of ownershi p

The cost of ownership takes into account the initial construction, maintenance and surface replacement costs.

The following table identifies the approximate cost of ownership for a high quality natural turf and high quality synthetic grass-playing surface over a 10-year period.

Inflation and interest payable on a loan for the initial construction and surface replacement has not been factored into any of the calculations presented below.

Use only includes club use, and it is assumed due to the close proximity of residences that use at night will finish at 9pm. In reality, both surfaces will include considerable school use as well.

Table 1: Estimated probable costs – turf vs synthetic

Item Natural Turf1 Synthetic Turf2

Initial pitch construction $400,000 $801,0003

Maintenance (over 10 years) $794,200 $210,0004

Surface replacement $135,000 $415,0005

Total estimated cost of ownership $1,329,200 $1,426,000

Estimated hours of use (weekly) 25 406

Estimated cost per hour of use (over 10 years) $102 $69

The general conclusions are:

■ synthetic surfaces are significantly more expensive to construct and install

■ synthetic surfaces are significantly cheaper to maintain

■ surface replacement is significantly more expensive for synthetic surfaces

■ synthetic surfaces require replacement every 7 to 10 years, where as the life span of a natural turf surface is indefinite if they are continually maintained.7

1 Sports Turf Consultants - Notting Hill, Victoria 2 Assumes costs are for a FIFA 2 star synthetic 3 Assumes the surface is laid at Cammeray Park as per cost in Attachment 6. 4 Sports Turf Consultants – Notting Hill, Victoria. Note that inflation has not been factored into cost 5 Sports Turf Consultants – Notting Hill, Victoria. Note that inflation has not been factored into cost. 6 These hours are limited to club based use . In reality they will include school use as well. 7 Natural turf surfaces are generally resurfaced at somewhere between 10 (high quality surface) and

20 years (low quality surface).

28/2/08


12

■ the total cost of ownership is significantly greater for a high quality synthetic surface. However, the total cost of usage is significantly less for synthetic surfaces (based on average weekly usage hours).

The costs associated with natural surfaces assume water is available at a reasonable cost.

28/2/08


13

3. KEY FINDINGS

3.1 Demand

Fields in North Sydney are currently used well above estimated carrying capacity, with the demand for facilities outweighing supply. A shortage of suitable facilities appears to be having a negative impact on participation in both hockey and soccer.

Industry standards indicate that grass fields should be used to a maximum of around 25 hours per week. Currently in North Sydney the grounds are being used on average 33 hours per week and up to 43 hours.

The current number of grounds is not meeting existing demand from the number of players let alone likely projected demand. Projected population increases expected in the coming 15 years indicate that additional grounds will be needed to meet future demand.

The growth in soccer (especially in junior players) is constrained in North Sydney due to the limited number of playing surfaces. An estimated five additional grounds may be needed to meet future demand by community and school groups.

The carrying capacity of a synthetic surface is significantly greater than a grass field. There are limitations however to the available training times for users and hence the realistic additional capacity for soccer of a synthetic surface is 50 - 60% greater than that of a grass surface.8

8 This assumes that club use of grass surfaces are restricted to 25 hours per week, where club

use of a synthetic surface can be approximately 40 hours per week.

A further benefit of a synthetic surface is the additional carrying capacity from school use. An extra 7.5 hours of school training per week would become available (during the morning) along with the potential of 25 hours of daily school use for PE classes and school sport.

Hockey participation is constrained by the lack of a synthetic surface in the area. There is no current synthetic surface in North Sydney or the surrounding municipalities; one synthetic surface would meet the estimate demand for all projected players up until 2021.

■ Impl ic ations of dema nd

Key implications of the demand analysis are:

- existing grass soccer fields are currently being over used

- there has been a major increase in demand for soccer, particularly juniors. This demand is being constrained in North Sydney due to the limited availability of playing surfaces

- an estimated five additional soccer grounds may be needed to meet anticipated future growth by community and school groups

- there is significant demand from schools for both hockey and soccer that is not currently being met

- there are no synthetic surfaces in North Sydney or the surrounding municipalities specifically for hockey

- state wide participation numbers are decreasing in hockey, due in part to the lack of available synthetic hockey surfaces

- one additional synthetic hockey field is needed in the future to meet existing and future demand in North Sydney

28/2/08


14

3.2 Synth eti c surf ace b enef i ts for both sport s

The demand assessment for this study shows that both sports would significantly benefit from a synthetic pitch.

Findings conclude that without a synthetic pitch in North Sydney, club hockey may disappear from the municipality. However the demand as a sport is considerably greater for soccer than hockey and due to the likely number of players soccer is considered to be the priority at this time. The development of a hockey pitch in the future would also be needed to meet hockey demand.

The table below summarise the benefits of a synthetic surface in North Sydney for each sport.

Table 2: Synthetic surface benefits per sport

HOCKEY SOCCER

Impact on existing pitches

o Would provide one pitch as existing is not playable and not synthetic

o Would provide one pitch for seniors whereas the current pitch surface is inappropriate for seniors

o Would reduce need for all players to travel for home & away games

o Would provide a local pitch for juniors and seniors (the current ground is not playable and does not provide for senior games).

Impact on existing pitches

o Would not add another pitch – as it replaces an existing useable pitch

o Would increase the carrying capacity of the existing pitch

HOCKEY SOCCER

Numbers of players

o A new pitch would provide for all likely club hockey players (based on current projections) in North Sydney and alleviate some demand from schools

Numbers of players

o One pitch would not meet all the demand for local club soccer i.e. need approximately 4 additional turf grounds, but it would alleviate some demand from clubs and schools

Meeting latent demand

o In terms of participation, provision of a hockey pitch will cater for approximately 500 local club participants in addition to school use

o This is likely to be the extent of demand

Meeting latent demand

o In terms of participation, it would cater for approximately 500 local club participants, in addition to some school use

o This is likely to be considerably less than demand for club soccer that has been estimated as up to approximately 2,500 club players by 2021

Social benefits/ impacts

o Reduce travel - reduced opportunity cost for families

o The hockey club may not be able to survive much longer without the provision of a synthetic pitch

o A field can be provided at the current location in Primrose Park, however there may be some perceived impact due to no lighting being currently provided.

Social benefits/impacts

o Greater chance of providing children with first preference for sport

o A field can be provided at the current location in Cammeray Park with little change to the park except levels of use

28/2/08


15

3.3 Recomm ended si t e opt ion

■ Synt hetic socce r pitc h at Cammeray Park

The assessment of each sport and site determined that the development of a synthetic soccer pitch at Cammeray Park would be the most viable and most appropriate to meet the demand for soccer. The ground at Cammeray Park is already used for soccer and would not limit the capacity to provide for other sports because it is the only sport played there.

The size of the pitch currently meets the required FIFA international match minimum of 100m x 64m.

The Ku-ring-gai and District Soccer Association (KDSA) notes that Cammeray Park is the main ground in North Sydney LGA used for KDSA’s Premier League competition – the highest level of soccer played under their jurisdiction.

The KDSA needs the size of the pitch to stay at these minimum levels. No other ground in the area would be able to accommodate for this without affecting other sports. The pitch also has the necessary lighting to play games and train at night, and the impact of the lighting having minimal affect on the residents who live nearby because there are already 2 sporting clubs (tennis, croquet) who play under lights that adjoin the pitch.

The site is in a major sporting hub with a golf course, a tennis club and a croquet club abutting the pitch. The development of a skate park at the Ernest St. end of the site will only consolidate the area into a bigger and more prominent hub that will attract all members of the community.

According to the weighting system that was adopted when choosing a preferred site, Cammeray Park was ranked the highest. With a total score of 8.48, it topped the rankings from Primrose Park and Waverton Park at 7.49 and 7.13 respectively. A full list of the weighted scores and ranking is shown in Attachment 5.

■ Provi sion for hocke y

Although the priority for development is a synthetic soccer pitch at Cammeray Park, it is also desirable to construct a synthetic hockey pitch at Primrose Park.

The demand for hockey is considerable from both club and school players and should not be ignored. The viability of club hockey in North Sydney restricted by the current lack of synthetic surface. A pitch on the lower field at Primrose Park will help address demand and will allow club members to cut down on travel, because they would not need to travel to Sydney Olympic Park (and other grounds around Sydney) to train and play every week.

The development of Primrose Park (P3) into a synthetic hockey pitch would provide a venue for all hockey players in the North Sydney area who are currently required to train and play outside of the municipality. It would make better use of the available space that is the right shape and size for a hockey pitch and would alleviate the pressure from school hockey players on other grounds.

The alternative – to a synthetic hockey pitch is to bring the current turf field at Primrose Park up to a playable standard. The maintenance cost of completing such a job would be almost as expensive as developing a synthetic pitch.

28/2/08


16

■ Desira ble nat ure of the surface

The desired synthetic surface for soccer is one that combines polyethylene and polypropylene yarns, meets the highest test standards for soccer and is part filled with rubber and sand.

F I F A ra t i n g o f s u r fa c e s

FIFA has approved synthetic surfaces for soccer, and provide a rating of these surfaces as either 1 or 2 stars.

1 Star surfaces are mainly used for recreational and community club use. There are approximately 50 pitches of this nature in the world.

The FIFA recommended 2 Star is designed specifically for professional football. FIFA final round competitions and top UEFA competitions require the FIFA recommended 2 Star surfaces.

It is becoming more common for soccer clubs to install the FIFA 2 star because of the quality. Sutherland FC in New South Wales have recently installed a FIFA recommended 2 star pitch.

As the quality of pitches is increasing all the time it is recommended that a surface with a Star 2 rating is provided in North Sydney.

S u i ta b l e s u r fa c e s

TigerTurf recommends that a TigerTurf FR 65 synthetic grass surface is installed. This soft polyethylene fine fibrillated yarn product is non-abrasive, which suits contact situations and has a thermally bonded dual backing for greater carpet stability and long term wear. It is tested to both FIFA 2 star and IRB (International Rugby Board) Regulation 22 with the shock pad system and FIFA 1 star without the shock pad system.

TEAMsports recommends the product Euro II as a preferred soccer surface.

■ Esti mate d proba ble c ost s

Installation of a synthetic grass sports pitch includes: the construction of a suitable base (which ensures long term integrity of the structure), and installation of the synthetic carpet.

Two suppliers have provided indicative probable costs for the supply and installation of a synthetic surface at Cammeray Park, based on a pitch size 100m x 70m plus a 3m run-off around the boundary.

Based on figures provided in Attachment 6. the probable costs for this pitch range between $655,000 and $801,000 (excluding GST). Considerable variation may be encountered due to existing soil conditions and services. A list of likely variations is shown in Attachment 6.

A similar development at Sutherland FC, New South Wales, cost in excess of $1 million.

Below is a photo of a similar facility at the Darebin International Sports Centre (DISC), Victoria. It shows how the pitch at Cammeray Park would look after construction. Image 2: Synthetic field at DISC

28/2/08


17

4. ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS

4.1 Assessm ent me thods

1. Selection criteria were prepared and agreed with key Council officers. (See Attachment 1).

2. Site inspections were conducted and information concerning each attribute was collected. (Note some information such as details concerning contamination and subsidence could not be sourced).

Supportive information about each development option is contained in Attachment 2. This includes:

■ Details of the scores for each site and associated notes

■ A matrix showing a comparison of scores for each site

3. The selection criteria were then weighted (using the paired comparison method), and for each attribute each site was scored. All scores were then multiplied by the weighting for that attribute. The sum of all scores for each site provide a total score to determine the ranking of each site.

The advantages and disadvantages of each development site for the installation of a synthetic surface are listed below.

A matrix showing the scores for each site are provided in Attachment 4.

28/2/08


18

4.2 Anderson P ark

Anderson Park is bounded by Clarke and Kurraba Roads, Neutral Bay. It is currently suitable for cricket, soccer, football and touch football. During the summer season the two synthetic wickets are used for cricket. During winter, it is used solely as a soccer pitch. The St. Aloysius School predominantly uses the site and there is evidence that the schools may play softball there as well.

■ Layout options

- The only way a synthetic pitch could be installed here is if it was layed over the existing soccer pitch

- There is not enough room anywhere else in the park for a full-sized pitch

■ Impl ic ations f or ot her use s

- If a synthetic pitch were to be installed here, cricket would no longer be able to be play here. A new full sized synthetic pitch would overlap with approximately half of the existing turf cricket area, making cricket unplayable

■ Disa dva nta ges of t he si te

- The soil in the northern part of the park is contaminated. It has been capped with a barrier layer of plastic and top soil. Extensive earthworks would be needed to be undertaken

- Water management vehicles access the park at all times, even when it has been raining, causing damage to the surface. These vehicles would still need to access the site, even if a synthetic pitch was installed

- All of the trees surrounding the edge of the park are heritage listed. They cannot be removed or tampered with if any new developments are necessary

- Car parking is very limited

- The toilet / change rooms would need to be redeveloped

■ Advant age s of t hi s si te

- It is situated right near North Sydney train station

- Within a year, two new light towers will be built that will meet both soccer and hockey specifications

28/2/08


19

4.3 Camm era y Park

Cammeray Park is divided into a number of areas i.e. a golf course, tennis courts, a croquet lawn and a soccer pitch. It is bounded by Cammeray Road and Park Avenue. There is currently a new canteen / toilet / change room area under construction at the site, and there is the construction of a new skatepark has been put out for tender.

■ Layout options

- There is only one soccer pitch in the park at the moment. Any new development would have to be built directly over the existing pitch

- The pitch size currently meets the minimal international standard of 100m x 64m. It would be recommended for a new pitch to remain that size to avoid any complications with the layout of the new pitch


- Soccer is the only sport that currently uses the ground, so if a synthetic soccer pitch is constructed, then no other sport would be affected


- There is a lack of car parking during the week, however, on weekends, a lane on Ernest Street is used for car parking


- There is no cricket played on the pitch. It is one of the only grounds that doesn’t have a synthetic wicket in the middle of it

- It is in a community hub, surrounded by 3 other sports

- Lighting is already adequate for soccer

- Because of the noise and lights from the existing sports played at the site, there will be little if any additional impact on residents

- The pitch has a solid base, the best of all existing soccer pitches

- There is an opportunity to work with the golf club to share car parking (e.g. at night)

28/2/08


20

4.4 Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park in Neutral Bay, currently has two playing fields that are mainly used for school hockey, however they do have synthetic cricket wickets on them. It is bounded by Montpelier and Eaton Streets,

The park is mainly used by schools who access the park via an over pass on the freeway. The park is very popular with joggers, dog walkers and kite flyers, as well as people relaxing and picnicking. It also has a community centre at the northern end of the site, which acts as the toilet and change facilities.

■ Layout options

- It is possible to install a synthetic pitch for either soccer or hockey on either the upper or lower field

- However, lights are only provided on the lower field and the upper field’s topography is very uneven, meaning a great deal of leveling would have to be done

- The access to change and toilets facilities from the lower field is difficult, so if a synthetic pitch was constructed, alternative change rooms and toilets may need to be provided.


- Both the upper and lower field have synthetic cricket pitches in the middle of them. If a synthetic field was provided on either field, then cricket could not be played.


- It is in a close proximity to residences, that form part of the boundary of the park

- There is no car parking facilities. The closest car parks are five minute waiting bays during the day

- It was previously a tip site and therefore there may be additional costs associated with construction


- There are existing lights on the lower field, that, with upgrading, may be suitable for soccer and hockey

- There is no overhang from trees on either of the playing fields

- There is adequate space for the development of any new change / club room facilities that may be associated with a synthetic surface, along with adequate space for the pitches to be fenced if needed

28/2/08


21

4.5 Pr imrose Park

Primrose Park is bounded by Young and Earle Streets, Cremorne. It accommodates four synthetic cricket wickets in summer and three football fields in winter.

The park is just across from Brightmore Reserve, which is a popular picnic destination.

The eastern (football) fields have all just been re-turfed, while the western field that is designated for hockey still has its original turf.

There is a tennis club that abuts the lower field, as well as an adjacent community centre with car parking.

■ Layout options

- It would not be feasible to install a synthetic surface on the newly re-turfed fields. The western field is the only option for such a development that doesn’t impact on other sports.


- The lower field is the only realistic option for a synthetic surface, no sports would be affected as hockey is the only designated sport played there


- The western field, which would be most suited to a hockey development, has no lighting

- Amenities need upgrading

- The park has heritage elements, which may affect any proposed development


- The Park has two separate car parks, one at either end

- It may be possible, to create a sporting hub for lit synthetic surfaces in conjunction with tennis and the community centre at the western end of the park

28/2/08


22

4.6 Tunks P ark

Tunks Park is situated between Brothers Avenue and Rowlinson Parade, Cammeray.

During summer four synthetic wickets and one turf wicket are used by cricket. In winter, two football fields and five mini fields are used to play rugby, touch football and junior soccer.

■ Layout options

- The only viable position for a synthetic pitch would be to build it on one of the rugby fields in the middle of the park


- If a synthetic pitch were built over the middle fields, it would affect both cricket and rugby. Both middle fields have cricket pitches in the middle and are marked for rugby


- There are no lights on any of the fields

- There would be significant problems fencing any synthetic surface, due to the nature of the park. A very family orientated park in a relaxed parkland setting would be affected by fencing off part of the park for a sports field

- The park is also a very popular spot for dog walkers

- There is a large car park at one end of the park, however, with the boat ramp being used excessively in summer, car parking would be under further pressure


- The fields are some distance from residents. Noise and lighting would not greatly affect residents.

- There are two sets of amenities, with accessible facilities, and a new canteen

28/2/08


23

4.7 Waverton Par k

Waverton Park is situated between Woolcott and Larkin Streets, Waverton, and is divided into two areas. The upper area is a social / family recreation area and the lower is a sporting field used for cricket, football and soccer.

■ Layout options

- There is only one sporting field in the park, so if any development went ahead, it would have to be built over the existing pitch

- An upgrade of the amenities would need to occur, as well as upgrading the existing lighting


- Schools situated nearby, use the pitch quite regularly, so any development would affect their use if clubs were given preferred tenancy to use it.

- Because cricket and football use the field, if a synthetic soccer pitch was installed, both of these sports would be affected


- The accessibility and the condition of the amenities is very poor. The cost of redevelopment and putting a ramp in would be excessive

- Because of the proximity to the water, many balls end up in the water

- Any development of a higher fence would be strongly opposed by the residents and the community surrounding the park

- There is a lack of car park spaces. The surrounding area is residential


- The park is situated within close proximity to Waverton train station

- The lower area where the sporting field is, is well enclosed and few houses surround it

28/2/08


24

5. PARTICI PATION AND DEMOGRAPHIC ANA LYSIS

5.1 Impl ica t ions for sport of local demographi cs

Participation in sport and recreation activities is influenced primarily by the demographic profile of an area along with the supply of quality facilities.

There are five principal demographic influences on sport and leisure participation:

■ age

■ gender

■ ethnicity

■ education

■ income

■ Population a ge, si ze a nd ge nde r

According to the 2006 Census of Population and Housing the current population of the North Sydney LGA is 58,257. From 2001, the population increased by an estimated 3,528 people (6.4% increase) or a growth rate of 1.29% per annum. This growth is consistent with the growth of the area over the last 15 years.

The North Sydney local government area also has a higher than average working and school population placing further demands on infrastructure.

There are a large proportion of young people living in North Sydney.

■ Almost 28% of the population are aged 25 to 34 years, this is much higher than the Lower Northern Sydney statistical region (LNSSR) where 18% of the population are in this age bracket

■ The percentage of people aged 55 years and over is similar to the LNSSR (23.5% and 24.5% respectively)

■ The number of children 0 to 4 years has increased from 3.8% in 1996 to 4.5% in 2006

■ The percentage of people aged 55 years and over has also increased from 20.4% in 1996 to 23.5% in 2006

■ 52.4% of the population are female and 47.6% are male

The suburbs in the North Sydney local government area with the largest population, accounting for 70% of the City’s total were:

■ Cremorne – 10,442

■ Neutral Bay – 10,278

■ Wollstonecraft – 7,579

■ Cammeray – 6,695

■ North Sydney – 6,059

■ Ethnicit y, e duca tion and income

Participation in sport and recreation is generally higher in people from English speaking backgrounds, who have higher individual income and having completed higher education levels. The demographic profile of North Sydney suggests therefore that sports participation rates should be higher than average.

28/2/08


25

North Sydney LGA has the following characteristics of ethnicity, education and income9.

■ 33.5% of the resident population are born overseas however only half from non-English speaking countries

■ Languages spoken at home other than English include Cantonese (2.7% compared to LNSSR10 5.1%), Japanese (2.1% compare to 1.3%) and Mandarin (1.7% compared to 3.9%)

■ 35.9% of residents have obtained a Bachelor or higher degree level of education this compares to only 27.1% for the Northern Sydney Region of Councils and 15.2% for Sydney Statistical region

■ Median individual income levels are significantly higher than for the LNSSR ($1,010 per week compared to $738) with family median incomes for North Sydney being 25% higher than LNSSR

■ Impl ic ations i de nti f ie d in t he Recreati on Nee ds St udy

The demographic profile of North Sydney has distinct implications for the sport and recreation. Relevant implications from the Recreation Needs Study and further implications are outlined in the following table.

9 ABS Census of Population and Housing 2006 10 Lower Northern Sydney Statistical region

Table 3: Demographic implications for sport

Characteristics Implications for sport

Growth in both residential and non-residential population in already high density area

o Growing demand for sport and open space settings

o Demand for easy access to facilities close to work, school, home

o Additional demand on facilities from large non- resident population

Large portion of young residents aged 20 – 39 years with an aging population into the future

o Demand for recreation opportunities outside business working hours

o Demand from young adults for night competition sports on a less structured basis

o Increasing demand for passive recreation settings coinciding with aging population

High income rates and high education levels

o An increase in the demand for sport o Higher capacity to pay for quality facilities and

services o Higher expectations on the quality of facilities

28/2/08


26

5.2 Exis t ing and proje ct ed sport s part icip at ion

■ Population projections

Population projections by .id Forecast11 indicate that the population will continue to grow steadily over the next 15 years increasing the demands on current sporting infrastructure.

The LGA is forecasted to increase by an estimated 3,500 people by 2021 at a growth rate of 0.4% pa. The population projections are based on the population in 2001 and are influenced by changes in dwellings, the current age structure, birth and death rates, and household structure. Council’s Section 94 Plan also projects an increasing population however forecasts the population increasing by 8,600 people and reaching 65,200 by 2013, at a growth rate of 1.2% pa.

Cremorne and North Sydney are the suburbs projected to see the largest growth in population over the next 15 years with an increase of 902 and 750 people respectively. The population of Milson’s Point – Lavender Bay is expecting the largest proportional increase in population with 15.6% increase (372 additional people).

The population projection for each locality within the North Sydney LGA as stipulated by .id Forecast is outlined in the table below.

11 Forcast.id .id 2007

Table 4: Population projections by locality 2006 - 2021

Locality 2006 2011 2016 2021 % increase

Cammeray 6,719 7,049 7,191 7,368 9.7%

Cremorne 11,239 11,563 11,842 12,141 8.0%

Cremorne Point 1,927 1,898 1,875 1,885 -2.2%

Crows Nest/ St. Leonards 5,251 2,467 5,694 5,926 12.9%

Kirribilli 3,942 3,901 3,867 3,864 -2.0%

McMahons Point 2,283 2,283 2,291 2,308 1.1%

Milsons Point - Lavender Bay 2,381 2,531 2,635 2,753 15.6%

Neutral Bay 10,921 10,901 10,971 11,082 1.5%

North Sydney 4,907 5,058 5,353 5,657 15.3%

Waverton 3,270 3,290 3,327 3,370 3.1%

Wollstonecraft 8,365 8,423 8,447 8,477 1.3%

North Sydney Council

61,401 62,363 63,494 64,831 5.6%

■ Projecte d pa rt ici pation i n sport

Based on population projections up to 2021 and current participation rates sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Exercise in Recreation and Sport Statistics (ERASS) the key sports requiring outdoor synthetic playing fields in North Sydney will be for the sports of soccer and hockey.

The table below details the projected numbers participating by 2021, by sport, given that no new pitch development is undertaken for both soccer and hockey.

28/2/08


27

Table 5: Projected participation by sport 2021

Sport 2011 2016 2021

Soccer 3,592 3,663 3,735

Hockey 559 570 581

These participation projections have assumed that both soccer and hockey participation rates will remain steady over the coming 15 years. Participation in sport commonly fluctuates over a four year cycle.

Over the last 5 years participation in hockey in NSW has decreased slightly, especially by children under the age of 15 years. Soccer participation has fluctuated however increased participation has been observed recently, especially in junior soccer.

5.3 Local spor ts tr ends

■ Club pa rt icipation

Club membership numbers offer another snapshot of the local trends in participation. However, given North Sydney and the surrounding areas have no synthetic hockey pitch hockey, club numbers are just an indicator of participation in North Sydney and surrounding areas.

Table 6: Club membership numbers

Sport Club Participants – 2007

Soccer North Sydney Bears Soccer Club 580

North Sydney Soccer Club 300

North Sydney Boys - Falcons 150

Hockey Gordon North Sydney Hockey Club 550 – 600

Mosman Hockey Club 50

Sydney University Hockey Club – Juniors

150

Consultation with soccer clubs in the Northern Sydney area indicate membership numbers are well below the projected participation numbers. For hockey the Gordon North Sydney Hockey Club are no clubs premises in North Sydney hence membership of the club is more regionally based. The Sydney University Hockey Club combined with the North Sydney Junior hockey club and still use Primrose Park for training purposes of their under 11 team.

There are a number of explanations for this data:

■ On average only 68% of soccer participation is “organised” by a club, association, fitness centre or other organisation, hockey participation is approximately 91% organised participation.

28/2/08


28

■ Limited facilities in North Sydney has forced residents to seek clubs outside of the municipality

■ There are 16,500 members of the Ku-ring-gai and Districts Soccer Association incorporating clubs across five municipalities of which only about 8% of players are from North Sydney clubs

■ The Mosman Hockey Club’s numbers have decreased significantly due to the lack of facilities in the area

■ Soccer clubs have had to turn away players as they are unable to find facilities to cater for club growth

■ School Pa rt ici pation

School participation in soccer and hockey was investigated through consultation with school sport staff.

The following issues were highlighted in consultation with schools:

■ Participation in hockey has remained relatively stable where soccer participation has increased, especially in females

■ Schools teams have been limited due to field availability for training

■ Lack of facilities prevent boys schools participating in hockey

■ Schools groups have to travel significant distances to train for both hockey and soccer, and for play on both grass and synthetic surfaces

■ Female soccer is played on a Sunday with limited school staff involvement, hence participation is limited due to the need for parent volunteers in managing and coaching teams

Table 7: School participation in soccer and hockey

Hockey Soccer

School Player

estimate Training venues in

North Sydney Player

estimate Training venues in

North Sydney

Loreto Kirribilli 150 Yes 50 Yes Marist College North Sydney - n/a 56 Yes, meeting needs

Monte Sant’ Angelo College 145

Yes, but inadequate 45 Yes, but inadequate

North Sydney Boys High 40

No, travel to use synthetic surface 150

Yes, but need more venues

SCEGGS Redlands 80 No, travel for both synthetic & turf grounds

300 All training outside NS

Shore School - n/a 285

Use school grounds in Northbridge plus Waverton Park & other Councils’ grounds

St Aloysius College - Lack of grounds prevents play 400

Yes, but inadequate & supplement elsewhere

Wenona School 160 Yes, but inadequate & travel for turf

65 No, travel to use grass fields as nothing available

Note: not all schools in the Council were available to make comment. In addition local schools in surrounding municipalities have expressed interest in a hoceky facility.

28/2/08


29

5.4 Capa cit y of exi st ing f aci l i t i es t o meet future d emand

Both hockey and soccer are projected to require additional facilities to meet current and future demand. For soccer the need for additional capacity is to ease the increasing pressure on existing grass facilities and to cater for growth in demand.

Hockey facilities are required to meet a supply shortage of synthetic surfaces for hockey in the area.

The following assumptions have been made regarding future provision of sporting facilities in North Sydney. These are based on activity specific demand and playing field capacities.

■ Soc cer

E x is t in g S u p p ly

There are currently four venues in North Sydney where soccer is played, incorporating 4 senior fields and 5 mini fields as listed below.

Table 8: Existing soccer field supply in North Sydney

Soccer Fields Senior Junior

Anderson Park 1 -

Cammeray Park 1 -

Tunks Park 1 5

Waverton Park 1 -

These facilities are currently being used at well above the estimated 25-hour per week carrying capacity. Given the current shortage of grounds a synthetic pitch would be unlikely to reduce the playing hours on other parks.

E x is t in g U s e a n d F u tu r e D e m a n d

There are currently two soccer clubs in North Sydney and a school entering teams in the local club competition. Between these three groups there are approximately 1,030 soccer players in North Sydney belonging to clubs with an estimated 500 additional participants12.

Membership numbers (taking into consideration participation rates are lower for organised participation) are currently well below the estimated participation rates. This indicates constrained demand for soccer due to lack of facilities.

It is estimated that with the population growth projected for North Sydney and the potential growth in soccer participation (especially in juniors), there is market potential for an additional 10 soccer fields. However, current membership numbers estimate a much lesser demand, partly due to the constraint in the facilities, and considering estimated growth of the sport an additional 3-4 fields would be required to cater for potential players in 2021.

Further facilities are in demand from school groups needing training venues for soccer. In addition to the 1,500 soccer club members there are an additional 1,400 school aged soccer players in North Sydney, with participation increasing especially in girls schools. Although some use by school groups is during the day and early morning, demand for traditional training times suggests additional fields are also required to meet the school demand. This demand would increase the number of additional grounds by at least one.

A synthetic pitch would reduce the additional number of fields required in North Sydney given the carrying capacity of a synthetic soccer pitch should cater for an estimated 50 – 60% more players than a grass surface.

12 Based on the assumption that 68% of football participation is organised - ERASS 2005

28/2/08


30

■ Hocke y

E x is t in g S u p p ly

There are currently two venues in North Sydney where hockey is played by schools, incorporating 2 grass fields at Forsyth Park and a single field (not currently used) at Primrose Park. Of these fields only one has lighting (Forsyth Park).

E x is t in g U s e a n d F u tu r e D e m a n d

Currently the only senior hockey club in North Sydney is the Gordon North Sydney Hockey Club however this club does not have a home base and is seen more as a regional club for a larger portion of the North Shore. Teams currently train all over Sydney including at Sydney Olympic Park, Ryde, Ku-ring-gai and Pennant Hills. The club is one of the largest in Sydney, however lose players due to the lack of synthetic surfaces.

The Mosman Women’s Hockey club (local but not a North Sydney Club) also have no training facilities in the area and have identified decreasing numbers due to the lack of facility in the area. The North Sydney Junior hockey club combined with the Sydney University Hockey Club in 2001, however still use a North Sydney ground (Primrose Park) for training of junior (U11) teams.

It is estimated that with population growth and hockey participation rates staying constant, that one synthetic hockey pitch would cater for the estimated 500 club players in 2021 with some supplementary training undertaken on grass for junior players. The supply of quality facilities is also likely to increase the demand for hockey and may create further demand for additional facilities.

There is also significant demand for synthetic hockey facilities by school groups who do currently train and play hockey in North Sydney, however are forced to transport teams to grounds outside of North Sydney to play on synthetic surfaces at considerable cost.

28/2/08


31

5.5 Telephone int ervi ew s summ ary

Consultation with clubs enabled both the hockey and soccer clubs in the area to express their views about the state of their game in North Sydney.

Soccer

The major concerns for soccer revolve around the fact that there are simply not enough grounds to cater for the amount of people playing already. Clubs are having to turn people away every year, with one club reported to have turned away up to 200 people. This is because they cannot provide them with the grounds to play on, as existing grounds are being used to their full capacity.

Hockey

Hockey clubs have been showing declining rates of participation over recent years because of the lack of quality turf to play on. Due to the current costs of maintaining turf fields or using synthetic pitches some distance away, many clubs within the association have folded or reduced their amounts of teams because the cost to play and train is too high.

Some clubs in the North Sydney area have reported a drop in participation because of the lack of facilities in the area, however the Sydney University hockey club have had to turn away juniors as they are unable to find the pitch time on grounds in Sydney to cater for additional teams.

Most of the other clubs in the association play on synthetic surfaces, which means that the clubs in North Sydney have to play their home games on a synthetic pitch as well.

This poses a problem for the clubs, because there is no synthetic facility in the area.

Clubs have to travel over an hour to Sydney Olympic Park and Pennant Hills to play and train. This puts a strain on membership numbers because it takes a great deal of commitment and time to travel just to play their chosen sport.

The high cost of participation in hockey means that members have to financially support their own club, because the clubs cannot generate enough revenue to survive. If the clubs had a home pitch, then they could look to create an environment and elements that would be attractive for sponsorship and funding from external sources.

28/2/08


32

6. RECOMMENDATIONS

It is recommended that:

■ Council proceed with the installation of a synthetic surface for soccer at Cammeray Park, as a priority

■ Council should install a FIFA approved surface with a star rating of 2.

■ Council seek formal quotations for the installation of such a surface from at least two suppliers

■ Council consider the provision for a synthetic hockey pitch at Primrose Park at a later date.

28/2/08


33

7. ATTACHMENTS

Atta chmen t 1: Si te sele ct ion cr i ter ia

Table 9: The selection criteria that has been used and weighted, to assist in determining the best development option.

Location In a major community hub or central area with high established usage Minimal impact of noise and lighting on residents Minimum 100m from residential dwellings and incompatible land uses Proximity to rail way station or public transport node In a suitable planning scheme zone Where there is adequate space for car parking

Site Ability to provide satisfactory lighting Accessible for emergency vehicle access (fire and ambulance) Where amenities (toilets, water, shelter, shade) are available / can be provided cost effectively Spectator seating capabilities Adequate space for upgrade of support facilities No contamination Minimal archaeological/ heritage/ constraints Suitable topography Water supply – access to drainage and recycling systems Council owned or public land No trees – overhang and shading the pitch Minimal conflict with other users Compatibility with other ovals / sports in the park Suitable to be fenced if required In association with sport and recreation facilities or nearby schools Increase / decrease usage of other grounds Doesn’t take away fields from another code in high demand

- Note: These criteria have been weighed according to their relative importance. The weightings are shown in Attachment 5.

28/2/08


34

Atta chmen t 2: Co mmen ts and scores b y si te

■ Devel opme nt Option 1 – Anderson Park


Attribute Comment Rating

Location

In a major community hub or central area with high established usage No. But there is established high use already by schools 6

Minimal impact of noise and lighting on residents It is well enclosed and the residents are on the same level as the oval and are right across the street

6

Minimum 100m from residential dwellings and incompatible land uses Approx 30-40m 3

Proximity to rail way station or public transport node Situated right near the North Sydney train station and has bus access 9

In a suitable planning scheme zone Yes 7

Accessible for emergency vehicle access (fire and ambulance) Yes, there is an entry way up past the change rooms 7

Where amenities (toilets, water, shelter, shade) are available / can be provided cost effectively

Amenities need upgrading 4

Where there is adequate space for car parking There is no extra space for parking and the only parking they have now is on-street, on a very busy road

0

Site

Ability to provide satisfactory lighting There will be proper lights installed within a year. They will have 4 towers instead of 2

7

Suitable for a 100m x 64m pitch Length would be ok, but the width of the ground may be a problem 3 Spectator seating capabilities Not very good. Only space for seating would be at the water end,

however that would block the nice view 2

Adequate space for upgrade of support facilities No. Any upgrade would have to impede on the little cricket field 1 No contamination No. Soil contamination at one end and erosion of ground near the entry.

Contamination runs diagonally across the ground from the change rooms to the entry

0

Minimal archaeological/ heritage/ constraints There are heritage listed tress all the way around the park 0

28/2/08


35


Suitable topography No. Contaminated and eroded. Maintenance vehicles access the field all the time and have caused tyre damage and muddy areas. There is a covered cricket pitch in the middle as well.

0

Water supply – access to drainage and recycling systems All grounds have drainage 7 Council owned or public land Yes 5 No trees – overhang and shading pitch There is a lot of shade, however there is also a great deal of overhang.

The shade on one side has caused the ground to become wet and muddy

5

Minimal conflict with other users Cricket would not be able to be played there anymore, however the practice nets would be able to remain

2

Compatibility with other ovals / sports in the park There is only a little cricket pitch next to it 6 Suitable to be fenced if required Yes, but there would not be much room, if any around the sides 3 In association with sport and recreation facilities or nearby schools Schools use the park a lot. It is probably the most used. Schools may

even play softball on it 8

Enable decrease usage of other grounds No – additional soccer would still be required 5 Doesn’t take away fields from other codes in high demand There isn’t any hockey played, only cricket 5

28/2/08


36

■ Devel opme nt Option 2 – Cammera y Pa rk



Location

In a major community hub or central area with high established usage Yes. Tennis, golf and croquet clubs adjoin the field. A skate park is also out for tender next door

10

Minimal impact of noise and lighting on residents Area is quite open and residents is quite open, however because of the existing clubs and there noise and lights, it shouldn’t be a problem

7

Minimum 100m from residential dwellings and incompatible land uses Approx 30-40m 5

Proximity to rail way station or public transport node Bus access only 6

In a suitable planning scheme zone Yes 7

Accessible for emergency vehicle access (fire and ambulance) Yes there is access at the entrance to the field 6


Construction is under way for the redevelopment of the toilets, change rooms and canteen

8

Where there is adequate space for car parking Field is situated on two busy roads that have a lot of spare spaces. Could be an opportunity in the future to use golf car parking

7

Site 6

Ability to provide satisfactory lighting Yes, there are already 4 towers 9

Suitable for a 100m x 64m pitch Yes, it is a full size pitch 10

Spectator seating capabilities Limited capabilities, however some could be squeezed in 5

Adequate space for upgrade of support facilities Upgrade of facilities is under review 7

No contamination Unknown 5

Minimal archaeological/ heritage/ constraints Yes 10

Suitable topography Yes. There is a lot of top soil on the pitch and not much grass 10

Water supply – access to drainage and recycling systems Yes 7

Council owned or public land Yes 5

No trees – overhang and shading pitch Limited shade and no overhang on pitch 5

28/2/08


37


Minimal conflict with other users Only used for soccer, so there would be no conflict 10

Compatibility with other ovals / sports in the park 10

Suitable to be fenced if required A 2m high fence already exists, however balls often end up going into the golf property, so fence could be higher

7

In association with sport and recreation facilities or nearby schools Yes. A sporting hub exists with tennis, golf, croquet and soccer 10

Enable decrease usage of other grounds Yes 8

Doesn’t take away fields from another code in high demand Will only enhance soccer which has high demand 10

28/2/08


38

■ Devel opme nt Option 3 – Forsyth Park



Location

In a major community hub or central area with high established usage It is in a high residential area 6 Minimal impact of noise and lighting on residents Residents are very close to both fields 1

Minimum 100m from residential dwellings and incompatible land uses The residents are on the edge of the park. Approx 2m from boundary 0 Proximity to rail way station or public transport node Bus access only 6

In a suitable planning scheme zone Yes 7 Accessible for emergency vehicle access (fire and ambulance) Sufficient access. There is a path that leads to upper field 6


Change rooms connected to community centre, they are hard to access for the lower field

5

Where there is adequate space for car parking No. The closest parks are only 5 minute waiting bays 0

Site

Ability to provide satisfactory lighting There is substandard lighting on the field 5 Suitable for a 100m x 64m pitch Both fields are a suitable size 10 Spectator seating capabilities Very good. There is a fair bit of room at both the ends and sides. There

is also viewing access from the community centre 9

Adequate space for upgrade of support facilities Yes. A lot of space for new facilities on the lower field 10 No contamination Unknown 5 Minimal archaeological/ heritage/ constraints Yes 9 Suitable topography Lower field has a suitable slope, upper field is quite uneven 7 Water supply – access to drainage and recycling systems All fields have drainage 7 Council owned or public land Yes 5 No trees – overhang and shading pitch No overhang on fields but there is limited spectator shading 6 Minimal conflict with other users There are cricket pitches in the middle of both fields, so cricket would be

jeopardised 5

28/2/08


39


Compatibility with other ovals / sports in the park Compatible – 2 hockey fields 8 Suitable to be fenced if required Yes, adequate space 10 In association with sport and recreation facilities or nearby schools Schools access the park a lot for hockey. They gain access from an

overbridge on the freeway. 7

Enable decrease usage of other grounds Would reduce use for hockey 7 Doesn’t take away fields from another code in high demand If soccer is installed, hockey will be jeopardised 5

28/2/08


40

■ Devel opme nt Option 4 – Pri mrose Park



Location

In a major community hub or central area with high established usage No, but there is a tennis club that abuts the western field 7 Minimal impact of noise and lighting on residents It is down in a hollow and the houses are high up on a hill 8

Minimum 100m from residential dwellings and incompatible land uses Approx 50m to hill, however houses are a further 30m up the hill 6 Proximity to rail way station or public transport node Bus access only 6

In a suitable planning scheme zone Yes 7 Accessible for emergency vehicle access (fire and ambulance) Yes 8


Amenities need upgrading, but they do have BBQ facilities 6

Where there is adequate space for car parking Already a large car park at the top and there are more spaces at the western end near the tennis clubs

9

Site

Ability to provide satisfactory lighting No. It is one of the worst lit. The western field has no lights at all 0 Suitable for a 100m x 64m pitch Western field was made for hockey so it would be satisfactory 10 Spectator seating capabilities No room at western field 2 Adequate space for upgrade of support facilities Yes there is plenty of space for any upgrade 10 No contamination Unknown 5 Minimal archaeological/ heritage/ constraints It is a heritage park 5 Suitable topography Yes 10 Water supply – access to drainage and recycling systems All fields have drainage 7 Council owned or public land Yes 5 No trees – overhang and shading pitch No overhang, or shade 5 Minimal conflict with other users Cricket and rugby would be compromised, unless the existing hockey

field was used 10

Compatibility with other ovals / sports in the park If site developed on the hockey field in west then it would be compatible 7

28/2/08


41


Suitable to be fenced if required Yes, there is plenty of room. There is already large concrete walls enclosing the western field

10

In association with sport and recreation facilities or nearby schools No schools nearby, however having the tennis club near the western field may create a slight hub

6

Enable decrease usage of other grounds Would reduce need for hockey to use grounds elsewhere but not reduce demand for soccer grounds

7

Doesn’t take away fields from another code in high demand Build on the western field and hockey will be catered for 10

28/2/08


42

■ Devel opme nt Option 5 – Tunk s Pa rk



Location

In a major community hub or central area with high established usage Not really. However because of the number of fields there, at any one time a large number of people could be using the grounds and surrounds

5

Minimal impact of noise and lighting on residents Residents are high up on a hill and there are plenty of trees surrounding it.

6

Minimum 100m from residential dwellings and incompatible land uses Approx 50-75m on the side of a hill 6 Proximity to rail way station or public transport node No train station nearby, however there is a bus route close by 6

In a suitable planning scheme zone Yes 7 Accessible for emergency vehicle access (fire and ambulance) Yes. There is a road that runs along the side of all the fields 8


2 sets of amenities 9

Where there is adequate space for car parking There is a large car park area near the turf oval, however it would conflict with boat users in the summer

6

Site

Ability to provide satisfactory lighting No lighting at all 0 Suitable for a 100m x 64m pitch Yes. Both rugby fields are big enough 10 Spectator seating capabilities Limited for middle fields, however the end fields would have space for

seating 5

Adequate space for upgrade of support facilities Yes, there is plenty of spare space 10 No contamination Unknown 5 Minimal archaeological/ heritage/ constraints Yes 8 Suitable topography Yes, however the middle field has a burrow on the canteen side that

would cause problems. It also has a covered cricket pitch 6

Water supply – access to drainage and recycling systems All grounds have drainage 7 Council owned or public land Yes 5 No trees – overhang and shading pitch No overhang, but no shade 5

28/2/08


43


Minimal conflict with other users No. Would affect the ability to play rugby and cricket there 2 Compatibility with other ovals / sports in the park Incompatible. Ground are set up for cricket, rugby and mini-fields 2 Suitable to be fenced if required Yes, there is enough space 10 In association with sport and recreation facilities or nearby schools No other facilities or schools nearby 1 Enable decrease usage of other grounds Would affect some of the mini fields on the rugby ground 5 Doesn’t take away fields from another code in high demand Any new pitch would affect rugby – although not high in demand 7

28/2/08


44

■ Devel opme nt Option 6 – Waverton Park



Location

In a major community hub or central area with high established usage No. The main access is from a small ramp. There is a park behind it, but it is not in a central area

4

Minimal impact of noise and lighting on residents It is well enclosed and there are only a handful of houses surrounding it 7

Minimum 100m from residential dwellings and incompatible land uses Houses are probably 50-75m away 6 Proximity to rail way station or public transport node There is a train station nearby 7

In a suitable planning scheme zone Yes 7 Accessible for emergency vehicle access (fire and ambulance) Yes, however there is only one access for all 6


All amenities need upgrading 3

Where there is adequate space for car parking No. There is only on-street residential parking 0

Site

Ability to provide satisfactory lighting Yes. It is one of the better lit grounds 9 Suitable for a 100m x 64m pitch Yes 10 Spectator seating capabilities Limited. There is not much space around the pitch for anything else 2 Adequate space for upgrade of support facilities No. The existing hexagonal structure needs to be fully replaced and

disabled access needs to be included 3

No contamination Unknown 5 Minimal archaeological/ heritage/ constraints Yes 7 Suitable topography Yes. The ground is fairly level, however there is a covered cricket pitch in

the middle. 7

Water supply – access to drainage and recycling systems All grounds have drainage 7 Council owned or public land Yes 5 No Tress – overhang and shading pitch Limited overhang, but limited shading as well 5

28/2/08


45


Minimal conflict with other users Soccer is currently played there 9 Compatibility with other ovals / sports in the park Only field in park 10 Suitable to be fenced if required There is a fence around the water, but it would need to be higher 6 In association with sport and recreation facilities or nearby schools Some schools are nearby and they use it quite a lot 5 Enable decrease usage of other grounds Decrease use of soccer grounds 8 Doesn’t take away fields from another code in high demand Would help immensely with soccer demand 10

28/2/08


46

Atta chmen t 3: Ra tings for ea ch develop ment si te

Table 16: Ratings for each development site

Attribute Anderson Cammeray Forsyth Primrose Tunks Waverton In a major community hub or central area with high established usage 6 10 6 7 5 4 Minimal impact of noise and lighting on residents 6 7 1 8 6 7 Minimum 100m from residential dwellings and incompatible land uses 3 5 0 6 6 6 Proximity to rail way station or public transport node 9 6 6 6 6 7 In a suitable planning scheme zone 7 7 7 7 7 7 Accessible for emergency vehicle access (fire and ambulance) 7 6 6 8 8 6 Where amenities are available / can be provided cost effectively 4 8 5 6 9 3 Where there is adequate space for parking 0 7 0 9 6 0 Ability to provide satisfactory lighting 7 9 5 0 0 9 Suitable for a 100m x 64m pitch 3 10 10 10 10 10 Spectator seating capabilities 2 5 9 2 5 2 Adequate space for upgrade of support facilities 1 7 10 10 10 3 No contamination 0 5 5 5 5 5 Minimal archaeological/ heritage/ constraints 0 10 9 5 8 7 Suitable topography 0 10 7 10 6 7 Water supply – access to drainage and recycling systems 7 7 7 7 7 7 Council owned or public land 5 5 5 5 5 5 No trees – overhang and shading pitch 5 5 6 5 5 5 Minimal conflict with other users 2 10 5 10 2 9 Compatibility with other ovals / sports in the park 6 10 8 7 2 10 Suitable to be fenced if required 3 7 10 10 10 6 In association with sport and recreation facilities or nearby schools 8 10 7 6 1 5 Enable decrease usage of other grounds 5 8 7 7 5 8 Doesn’t take away fields from another code in high demand 5 10 5 10 7 10

28/2/08


47

Atta chmen t 4: E valu at ion cr i ter ia weighting m atr ix

Table 17: Weighting matrix

Attribute A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Frequency Weighting

In a major community hub A dfdsfdsfsdfsdfAaA

A A E F A A A J A A A A A P A A A A U A A A

6 0.02

Ability to provide satisfactory lighting B B

C

B

E

F

B

B

B

J

K

B

B

B

B

P

Q

R

B T U B B B

10 0.04 Minimal impact of noise and lighting on residents C D

E

F

C

C

C

J

J

C

C C

C

P

Q

R

C T U C C C

23 0.08

Minimum 100m from residential dwellings and incompatible land uses

D E

F

D

H

D

J

K

D

D D

D

P

Q

R

D D U D D D

22 0.08

Doesn’t take away fields from another code in high demand E F

E

E

E

J

E

E E

E E

P

E

R

E E U E E E

10 0.04

Proximity to rail way station or public transport node F F

F

F

J

F

F

F F

F

P

Q

R

F F U F F F

3 0.01

In a suitable planning scheme zone G H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S T U V W X

8 0.03 Accessible for emergency vehicles (fire and ambulance) H I

J

K

H

H

H

H

P

Q

R H T U H H H 3 0.01

Where amenities are available/can be provided cost effectively I I K I I

I

I P

Q

R I T U V W I

11 0.04

Where there is adequate space for parking J J J J J

J P

J J

J J J J J J

5 0.02 Suitable for a 100m x 64m pitch K K K

K

K P

Q R K K K K K K 20 0.07

Spectator seating capabilities L L

L

L P

Q R

L T U L L L

0 0.00

Adequate space for upgrade of support facilities M M

M

P

Q R M T U M W X 10 0.04 No contamination N N P Q

R N T U N W X 15 0.05

Minimal archaeological/ heritage/ constraints O P Q R O T U O W X 16 0.06

Suitable topography P Q P P P P P P P 13 0.05

Water supply – access to drainage and recycling systems Q R Q Q U Q Q Q 16 0.06

Council owned or public land R R R U R R R 9 0.03

No Trees – overhang and shading pitch S T U V W X 5 0.02

Minimal conflict with other users T U T T T 21 0.08

Compatibility with other ovals / sports in the park U U U U 17 0.06

Suitable to be fenced if required V W V 1 0.00

In association with sport and recreation facilities or nearby schools W W 18 0.07

Enable decrease usage of other grounds X 12 0.04

28/2/08


48

Atta chmen t 5: W eighted Score s by Si te and F inal Ranking

Table 18: Weighted scores

Attribute Anderson Cammeray Forsyth Primrose Tunks Waverton In a major community hub or central area with high established usage 0.18 0.3 0.18 0.21 0.15 0.12 Ability to provide satisfactory lighting 0.28 0.36 0.2 0 0 0.36 Minimal impact of noise and lighting on residents 0.48 0.56 0.08 0.64 0.48 0.56 Minimum 100m from residential dwellings and incompatible land uses 0.24 0.4 0 0.48 0.48 0.48 Doesn’t take away fields from another code in high demand 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.4 0.28 0.4 Proximity to rail way station or public transport node 0.09 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.07 In a suitable planning scheme zone 0.21 0.21 0.21 0.21 0.21 0.21 Accessible for emergency vehicle access (fire and ambulance) 0.07 0.06 0.06 0.08 0.08 0.06 Where amenities are available / can be provided cost effectively 0.16 0.32 0.2 0.24 0.36 0.12 For district or regional level provision, adequate space for parking 0 0.14 0 0.18 0.12 0 Suitable for a 100m x 64m pitch 0.21 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 Spectator seating capabilities 0 0 0 0 0 0 Adequate space for upgrade of support facilities 0.04 0.28 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.12 No contamination 0 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Minimal archaeological/ heritage/ constraints 0 0.6 0.54 0.3 0.48 0.42 Suitable topography 0 0.5 0.35 0.5 0.3 0.35 Water supply – access to drainage and recycling systems 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 Crowned owned or public land 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 No trees – overhang and shading pitch 0.1 0.1 0.12 0.1 0.1 0.1 Minimal conflict with other users 0.16 0.8 0.4 0.8 0.16 0.72 Compatibility with other ovals / sports in the park 0.36 0.6 0.48 0.42 0.12 0.6 Suitable to be fenced if required 0 0 0 0 0 0 In association with sport and recreation facilities or nearby schools 0.56 0.7 0.49 0.42 0.07 0.35 Enable decrease usage of other grounds 0.2 0.32 0.28 0.28 0.2 0.32

4.11 8.23 5.77 7.24 5.57 6.88

RANK: 6 1 4 2 5 3

28/2/08


49

Atta chmen t 6: E st i mat ed proba ble capi tal co st s

Item Description Cost per item Qty Min. Cost Max. Cost * Standard base - 1 Construction of solid base to lay surface $17 - $20 sqm 7420 sqm $126,140 $148,400 ** Standard base - 2 Construction and drainage $35 - $38 sqm 7420 sqm $259,700 $281,960 *** Extra earthworks to shape base not included not included Extra base depth of crushed rock Extra rock layed down if base is not strong enough $49,300 1 $49,300 $51,765 Surfacing Installation of FIFA 2 star surface $35 - $50 sqm 7420 sqm $259,700 $371,000 *** Design not included not included *** Project management not included not included Services survey Unknown $1,100 1 $1,100 $1,155 Geotechnical survey Survey of the condition of the site and surrounds $3,400 1 $3,400 $3,570 *** Transport of surface to site not included not included

Temporary fencing during construction Fencing around the site to stop people entering the work zone $5,500 1 $5,500 $5,775

Traffic management during construction Marshalling of traffic around the construction vehicles $5,200 1 $5,200 $5,460

Replacement of timber edging with concrete perimeter beam Adds strength to the outside of the pitch during construction $9,400 1 $9,400 $9,870

Pits and drainage to capture water flow Creation of drainage system to aid water flow during installation $7,200 1 $7,200 $7,560

Replacement of timber edging with concrete spoon drain Perimeter drainage to help water flow $10,900 1 $10,900 $11,445

*** Spoil removal not included not included Line marking Line markings for soccer $3,400 1 $3,400 $3,570

Supply and install removable soccer goals and sleeves (x2) Heavy duty goals for each end of the pitch $9,300 1 $9,300 $9,765

STANDARD BASE TYPE ONE Total installation costs $490,540 $629,335

Contingency allowance - 5% of total $24,527 $31,467

TOTAL COST (excl. GST) $515,067 $660,802

STANDARD BASE TYPE TWO Total installation costs $624,100 $762,895 Contingency allowance - 5% of total $31,205 $38,145 TOTAL COST (excl. GST) $655,305 $801,040

Note: Preventative maintenance services need to be undertaken at least 3 times per year at a cost of $1,200 per service

* Standard base 1 is quoted for a pitch that already has the correct drainage system in place ** The Standard base 2 quote is provided with the cost of drainage factored in

*** The extent of design, project management, spoil removal, extra earthworks to shape base and transport costs are unknown at this time and no allowances have been made

28/2/08


50

Atta chmen t 7: S ynth eti c Surfa c e Construction V ar ia t ions

The following is a list of construction variations that should be taken into account when installing a synthetic surface. Variations may change for each individual project depending on the location, needs and environmental conditions.

- Design

- Project management

- Services survey

- Geotechnical survey

- Transport

- Temporary fencing

- Traffic management

- Extra earthworks to shape base

- Pits and drainage designed to capture water flow

- Cost to replace timber edging with concrete perimeter beam

- Cost to replace timber edging with concrete spoon drain

- Cost of extra base depth of crushed rock

- Spoil removal

- Line marking

- Supply and install removable heavy duty soccer goals and sleeves

- Preventative maintenance services

DECISION OF 3486TH COUNCIL (ASSESSMENTS) MEETING HELD ON 28/04/08

264. OSES01: Synthetic Surface Sports Field Feasibility Study Report of Christine Deaner, Recreation Planner – 22/04/08 Consultants were commissioned in 2007 to undertake a Feasibility Study that investigates the potential development of either a synthetic soccer or synthetic hockey pitch in one of six nominated parks within North Sydney. The Study was one of the high priority recommendations from the Recreation Needs Study completed in 2005. The Study analysed the requirements and needs of key stakeholders, the demand for both soccer and hockey and identified the most appropriate development option, which will suit both park and sport needs. A draft final report was received early in 2008 that recommended: 1. Council proceed with the installation of a synthetic surface for soccer at

Cammeray Park, as a priority. 2. Council should install an FFA approved surface with a star rating of 2. 3. Council seek formal quotations for the installation of such a surface from at

least two suppliers. 4. Council consider the provision for a synthetic hockey pitch at Primrose Park

at a later date. After its circulation to all members of the North Sydney Sport and Recreation Reference Group, the consultants’ report was discussed at the fourth meeting of the Reference Group on 19 February 2008. The Group resolved to request the consultants to consult with the Sydney University Hockey Club (Juniors) who were not consulted in the preparation of the draft final report. Subsequently, the consultants held discussions with a representative of the Club as well as discussions with the newly nominated representative of Wenona College and submitted a final report to reflect the results of these discussions. The report’s recommendations remained unchanged. The Mayor and Councillors were each circulated with a copy of the Final Report on 21 April 2008. Recommending: 1. THAT Council proceed with the planning and design of an FFA approved

synthetic surface for soccer with a star rating of 2 at Cammeray Park, as a priority.

2. THAT Council continue to work in partnership with the sport of Hockey, including local Hockey Clubs and interested Schools, towards the provision of a synthetic hockey pitch at Primrose Park.

RESOLVED: THAT the report be adopted.

The Motion was moved by Councillor Ritten and seconded by Councillor Zimmerman.

ITEM OSES01 REPORTS 28/04/08 N O R T H S Y D N E Y C O U N C I L R E P O R T S

Report to General Manager

SUBJECT: Synthetic Surface Sports Field Feasibility Study AUTHOR: Christine Deaner, Recreation Planner – 22/04/08 SUMMARY: Consultants were commissioned in 2007 to undertake a Feasibility Study that investigates the potential development of either a synthetic soccer or synthetic hockey pitch in one of six nominated parks within North Sydney. The Study was one of the high priority recommendations from the Recreation Needs Study completed in 2005. The Study analysed the requirements and needs of key stakeholders, the demand for both soccer and hockey and identified the most appropriate development option, which will suit both park and sport needs. A draft final report was received early in 2008 that recommended: 1. Council proceed with the installation of a synthetic surface for soccer at Cammeray Park,

as a priority. 2. Council should install an FFA approved surface with a star rating of 2. 3. Council seek formal quotations for the installation of such a surface from at least two

suppliers. 4. Council consider the provision for a synthetic hockey pitch at Primrose Park at a later

date. After its circulation to all members of the North Sydney Sport and Recreation Reference Group, the consultants’ report was discussed at the fourth meeting of the Reference Group on 19 February 2008. The Group resolved to request the consultants to consult with the Sydney University Hockey Club (Juniors) who were not consulted in the preparation of the draft final report. Subsequently, the consultants held discussions with a representative of the Club as well as discussions with the newly nominated representative of Wenona College and submitted a final report to reflect the results of these discussions. The report’s recommendations remained unchanged. The Mayor and Councillors were each circulated with a copy of the Final Report on 21 April 2008.

(2) Report of Christine Deaner, Recreation Planner – 22/04/08 Re: Synthetic Surface Sports Field Feasibility Study

RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT Council proceed with the planning and design of an FFA approved synthetic

surface for soccer with a star rating of 2 at Cammeray Park, as a priority. 2. THAT Council continue to work in partnership with the sport of Hockey, including local

Hockey Clubs and interested Schools, towards the provision of a synthetic hockey pitch at Primrose Park.

Financial Implications: The funding implications are set out in the report. An allocation of $30,000 has been provided for in the 2008/09 budget for design, consultation and development approval. Signed ____________________________ Endorsed by _______________________________ Director of Open Space & Environmental Services Comment by Director, Finance & Information Management: Funding for the project is appropriate. ____________________________________


DETAIL Council’s Recreation Needs Study, adopted in August 2005, identifies the current recreation needs of the North Sydney community by assessing existing supply against demonstrated needs in order to identify shortfalls of provision. The study provides Council with a sound basis upon which it can plan, organise and manage the provision and orderly development of recreation services and facilities in the North Sydney area. The study’s recommendations are presented in the form of key strategies, and an action plan sets out how these strategies could be implemented by Council over the next 10 years. Council is currently implementing, partially implementing or has completed a number of the strategies detailed in the Recreation Needs Study. One of the strategies relates to Organised Sport and one of the projects identified for implementation in the short term was to investigate the feasibility of upgrading the hockey field at Primrose Park to include a multi-use synthetic surface, night lighting and all-weather cover. Accordingly, consultants were commissioned in 2007 to undertake a Feasibility Study that investigates the potential development of either a synthetic soccer or synthetic hockey pitch in one of six nominated parks within North Sydney. The Study analysed the requirements and needs of key stakeholders, the demand for both soccer and hockey and identified the most appropriate development option, which will suit both park and sport needs. A draft final report was received early in 2008 that recommended: 1. Council proceed with the installation of a synthetic surface for soccer at Cammeray Park,

as a priority.

2. Council should install an FFA approved surface with a star rating of 2.

3. Council seek formal quotations for the installation of such a surface from at least two suppliers.

4. Council consider the provision for a synthetic hockey pitch at Primrose Park at a later date.

After its circulation to all members of the North Sydney Sport and Recreation Reference Group, the consultants’ report was discussed at the fourth meeting of the Reference Group on 19 February 2008. The Group resolved to request the consultants to consult with the Sydney University Hockey Club (Juniors) who were not consulted in the preparation of the draft final report. Subsequently, the consultants held discussions with a representative of the Club as well as discussions with the newly nominated representative of Wenona College and submitted a final report to reflect the results of these discussions. The report’s recommendations remained unchanged.


FUNDING Financial Implications It is estimated that design, consultation and development approval costs are approximately $30,000. The consultants’ report estimated a maximum probable cost for a synthetic sports field of $800,000. The consultants also identified a number of construction variations. Therefore, a project cost of $900,000 is estimated. Subject to development approval, no funding allocation has been made within the next three years. External funding will need to be sought. Anticipated Start: May 2008 Anticipated Completion: December 2008 Responsible Officer: Christine Deaner

sport and recreation reference group - north sydney council · north sydney synthetic field...

Documents