Basketball stadium expansion scores tick of approval

Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne inspected progress on the expansion of the Hills Basketball Stadium (formerly The Hills Sports Stadium) with Hills Basketball Association General Manager Steve Burke on Friday, October 6.

Mayor Byrne said the much-needed stadium upgrade at Fred Caterson Reserve was an investment in The Hills sporting community.

“With the rapid expansion of our population we need to find ways to get more use out of current sporting facilities, whilst finding ways to provide new community assets. The upgrade of the Hills Basketball Stadium will go a long way to create further opportunities for residents to participate in basketball, particularly given the current facility is already at capacity and teams are being turned away,” Mayor Byrne said.

“Council recognised the need to upgrade the Hills Basketball Stadium in partnership with the Hills Basketball Association.

“Basketball is such a popular sport in our region and it teaches us so much about working as a team, developing skills and planning strategies.

“I want to thank Steve Burke and his team at the Hills Basketball Association for the work they have done to make this stadium dream turn into reality.

“I’m sure our current and future residents will treasure this improved community asset for years to come.”

Council provided Hills Basketball with a $3.25 million loan for the stadium expansion, to be re-paid over the course of the Association’s 20 year lease.

The upgrades included two new courts, including a show court with a 450-seat grandstand, new offices, first aid and function rooms and additional car parking.

The Hills Basketball Association is one of the largest basketball associations in the state, with just under 5,000 members prior to expansion.

With waiting lists for competitions and development programs, Mr Burke said the stadium upgrade will provide residents with more opportunities to join a team and be involved in a sport they love.

“We were turning away 30 teams at a time,” Mr Burke said.

“Now we can really cater to the area thanks to the improvements made possible through this partnership with The Hills Shire Council.

“We are currently the second largest basketball association in NSW and I am confident that in the next six to 12 months that we will grow to become the biggest association in the state because we now have the facility to grow.

“It’s also exciting for us and the entire Hills community that we are now capable of hosting State and National Championships which will bring many visitors to the area.

“I want to thank our board, our volunteers and all our members and especially my staff who have worked day-in and day-out to make this new and improved facility possible.”