Cricket players across Southwest Sydney can now train, compete and develop their skills locally at the region’s first dedicated Indoor Cricket Centre at the Michael Wenden Aquatic Centre in Miller.
For years, Liverpool’s cricketers faced long commutes to the Hills District or Western Sydney hubs to train during wet weather or the winter off-season. The new Indoor Cricket Centre changes that, providing a purpose-built space for year-round participation, skill development and competition within the Liverpool community.
Funded by Belgravia Leisure and delivered in partnership with Liverpool City Council, the new centre features competition-standard cricket nets, bowling machines and tiered spectator seating, creating a high-quality experience for both players and spectators.
Delegates in attendance at the opening of the centre included Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun, Deputy Mayor Peter Harle, Belgravia Leisure’s General Manager Operations NSW/ACT Katherine Forman, Belgravia Leisure and Liverpool City Council teams and local sporting and community groups Indoor Cricket NSW, Netball NSW, Fairfield Liverpool Cricket Club, Preston Hornets Cricket Club, Fairfield Liverpool Cricket Association and The Big Issue.
Bringing year-round cricket to the Liverpool community
Belgravia Leisure CEO Nick Cox said the centre reflects the organisation’s commitment to creating opportunities for communities to stay active, connected and engaged through sport.
“Investing in opportunities for local communities to get into sport and get active is at the heart of what Belgravia Leisure is about, so we are incredibly proud to be at the helm of this exciting project,” said Nick.
“What’s fantastic is that this addition opens the door for locals to get involved year-round, no matter the weather, providing not only a place for them to compete and hone their skills, but also to connect, create friendships and build community pride through sport.”
The venue supports social and competition use, coaching and development programs, social competitions, school and community activities and high-performance training throughout the year. It can also accommodate other indoor sports, including soccer and netball.
The $250,000 project has been fully funded by Belgravia Leisure under its agreement to operate Liverpool City Council leisure venues.
Putting community sport first
Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said the centre filled a significant gap in sporting infrastructure across the region.
“Cricket participation continues to grow, yet access to local indoor training areas has not kept pace with demand.
“Southwest Sydney’s cricketers needed a centre like this for decades and now they’ve got one right here in Miller.
“The tiered spectator seating is a fantastic addition, giving families and supporters a dedicated space to watch competitions and connect with their local sporting community,” he said.
Mayor Mannoun added the centre demonstrates the way council builds commercial partnerships to provide excellent experiences for Liverpool residents.
“Liverpool is a young and growing city and residents want access to modern centres that support the sports they love. By collaborating with Belgravia Leisure, we have been able to give our local sporting community another place to train, compete and connect throughout the year.”
Located at Michael Wenden, the Indoor Cricket Centre offers year-round programs and activities for players, sporting clubs, schools and community groups.
Belgravia Leisure believe in the power of sports and play to unite people and foster well-being, with venues like Michael Wenden designed to engage people of all ages and levels of fitness and access.
To learn more about Michael Wenden Aquatic Centre, visit the website here.
Key facts:
- Michael Wenden Aquatic Centre in Miller is now home to Southwest Sydney’s first dedicated Indoor Cricket Centre
- The Indoor Cricket Centre offers year-round opportunities for local cricketers, players, sporting clubs, schools and community groups to train, compete and develop their skills year-round without travelling outside the region
- The centre was delivered in partnership with Liverpool City Council and funded by Belgravia Leisure with a total project investment of $250,000
- Features: competition-standard cricket nets, bowling machines and tiered spectator seating
- Local impact: support coaching programs, social and competition cricket, school activities, community programs and high-performance training, accommodate other indoor sports including soccer and netball.
