We're committed to improving opportunities for female participation in sports, and construction of the new female friendly change facilities at Pittwater Rugby Park is underway.
Explore the page to learn more about the background and how we're managing the works.
In 2020 Council resolved to deliver female friendly change facilities at Pittwater Rugby Park, home of Warringah Rugby Club, The Rats.
Following consultation with our community, we finalised the detailed design and issued a tender for construction services at the end of 2024. The design has been slightly modified regarding building fabric to incorporate cost savings, however, the proposed location and layout of the proposed new building is consistent with the plans exhibited in 2023.
Construction commenced in May.
We conducted test piling works in April, and the main construction works commenced early-May 2025.
Sporting groups and other hirers will still be able to use the remainder of the grounds during construction.
We anticipate construction to be complete late-September 2025, weather-dependent. If there are any significant delays, we will provide an update on this page.
In 2020 Council resolved to deliver female friendly change facilities at Pittwater Rugby Park, home of Warringah Rugby Club, The Rats. The change rooms will supplement the existing two change rooms located within the grounds.
The new change rooms are designed to conform with Rugby AU National Facility Guidelines along with objectives and design principles for female friendly change facilities as set out by the NSW Office of Sport. The new facilities will include lockable shower and toilet cubicles to ensure dignified inclusion, along with accessible toilet and shower facilities.
Due to flood risk, the building will be raised. The building design also encourages natural ventilation across the change spaces along with energy and water-efficient solutions. The building location and use are consistent with Council’s Masterplan for North Narrabeen Reserve.
The new female-friendly change facilities will enable both male and female teams to be hosted on the same day. The Warringah Rugby Club hosts various events throughout the year which are often held concurrently at the grounds, including women’s rugby sevens competitions, gala days, Shute Shield, and women’s Jack Scott Cup matches. The inclusive design is set to enhance the experience for all participants.
We have worked closely with key stakeholders, including Warringah Rugby Club, and would greatly value your feedback on these proposed plans. Your insights, suggestions, and questions have been invaluable to us as we work towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming sports environment for all.
Proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Council, under the Female Friendly Community Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Grant Program.
Inclusive, accessible & universally designed
Environmentally sustainable design and climate change resilient
Best practice design principles will be implemented
We asked for your feedback on the proposal between 25 October and 21 November 2023, received 150 responses. 97% of respondents supported the proposal and 3% supported the proposal with changes. No objections were raised.
Further details including a copy of all verbatim comments can be read in the Community Engagement Report.
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The contractor will prepare the site for the new building works and to ensure public safety. A temporary construction site fence will be erected to the perimeter of the work area from the beginning of May 2025 until the end of the build, meaning there will be no public access within the construction site for the entire period.
Construction of the new facility will commence in May 2025 and is anticipated to be completed late 2025, weather permitting.
Construction work hours are generally allowed 7am to 5pm on Mondays to Fridays.
On occasion it may be necessary to allow out of hours work such as oversized trucks to make deliveries to site or emergency works.
Sporting groups and other hirers will still be able to use the grounds during construction. There will be no access through the construction site itself.
The sporting fields will remain open.
There may be an unavoidable increase of traffic in the area during weekdays.
Traffic control plans will be implemented to minimise impact to the community.
There is no anticipated loss to parking, however, we acknowledge that complex construction can be impactful and we thank you for your patience and understanding.
| Name | Building Assets - Planning, Design & Delivery Team |
|---|---|
| Phone | 1300 434 434 |
| council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au | |
| In writing | marked, 'Female Friendly Change Facilities - Pittwater Rugby Park', Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82 Manly NSW 1655. |
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