$100-million sports hub opens in Sydney's west

Located at Rooty Hill in Sydney’s western suburbs, the new $100-million Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub has opened, under the attention-grabbing acronym BEST.

Designed by ARM architecture with landscape architecture by Architectus, the hub is intentionally eye-catching, vibrant and dramatic. It was delivered through the design finalisation and construction phases by CO.OP Studio with Buildcorp.

The objective of the project was to create an “internationally recognizable” sporting precinct that would not only attract local residents but sub-elite athletes, professional teams and rising stars from across the nation.

The hub is intentionally eye-catching, vibrant and dramatic.

Image: Courtesy Blacktown City Council

More than a sports training centre, the facility has been fitted out with consulting rooms, an aquatic recovery pool, a physical rehabilitation space, a 60-metre analysis running track, an environmental chamber, a biomechanics lab, as well as medical technology and 3D-printed equipment to provide allied health treatment.

The design team incorporated elements reminiscent of Indian temples, Turkish bathhouses and Chinese gardens to celebrate and be inclusive of multiculturalism in the community.

Image: Courtesy Blacktown City Council

The building’s contemporary and striking design reflects the diversity of Blacktown’s community. The design team incorporated elements reminiscent of Indian temples, Turkish bathhouses and Chinese gardens to celebrate and be inclusive of multiculturalism in the community.

Outside the building is a “physical literacy” play space, designed by Architectus with input from BEST project director Neil Gibson, which has been created to improve children’s physical, psychological, social and cognitive skills.

BEST opened on Sunday 19 November.