St Clair Recreation Centre exceeds performance expectations through first six months of new facility

June 17, 2019

YMCA South Australia management has announced that all expectations have been exceeded after the first six months of operation of the $26 million, state-of-the-art St Clair Recreation Centre.

The redeveloped sport and recreation facility opened to the public on 26th November last year and has already achieved a membership of 660, which is 65% higher than the initial target of 400.

Commenting on the new facility’s performance YMCA Area Manager Craig Hortin stated “the result is outstanding and community engagement has been exceptional from day one.

“We have had huge interest from a range of sports clubs and teams wanting to play a St Clair and currently 25,000 people are coming through the doors each month. On top of that, we have quickly become the highest grossing cafe in YMCA South Australia managed centres.”

The Centre, owned by the City of Charles Sturt and offering 9,000 metre² of court space, has already hosted 10 major events including state basketball, national wheelchair AFL championships, state Kendo titles, a Special Olympians welcome home and the Parks and Leisure Australia state awards presentation.

Advising that the most pleasing result had been the return of the community to the precinct which, in the past, has been acknowledged as the sporting and entertainment hub of Adelaide, St Clair YMCA Manager Scott Lampshire added “one of the biggest thrills is how many people come in and say they came here as a kid and what a great effect it had on their lives. Now they are bringing their kids to the new facility and continuing the tradition.

The St Clair Recreation Centre is the central facility in a revitalised sporting precinct and includes:

• A six court basketball stadium
• Dedicated indoor roller skate area
• Indoor function space
• Indoor meeting spaces
• Indoor café
• Gymnasium
• Integrated heritage aspects
• An expansive play space including nature play and all ability inclusive spaces

The YMCA and City of Charles Sturt have a strong focus on the delivery of innovative and inclusive programming, as well as building strong community partnerships.

The $26 million facility was funded by the City of Charles Sturt with contributions from the South Australia Office of Recreation, Sport and Racing and the Department of Education and Child Development.

Neighbouring Woodville High School has exclusive use of a section of the centre during set times on weekdays.

Images: The $26 million St Clair Recreation Centre from outside (top) and the state-of-the-art facility has exceeded participation targets in its first six months (middle and below).

6th June 2019 - YMCA at The Valleys Lifestyle Centre awarded for excellence in community recreation

15th October 2018 - YMCA-managed Aquadome becomes first South Australian fitness business to become Quality Accredited

13th September 2018 - YMCA South Australia to manage new St Clair Recreation Centre

21st June 2018 - YMCA South Australia Active Adults program recognised at industry awards

4th June 2018 - Federal Government backs YMCA South Australia inclusivity and access project

1st June 2018 - Demolition commences at Adelaide’s Football Park

5th January 2018 - Charles Sturt Council advances new St Clair Recreation Centre

15th June 2017 - YMCA South Australia takes on management of Valleys Lifestyle Centre

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