Willoughby Squash squashed: court order grants approval for demolition

The future of racquet sports in Willoughby is looking dire, with the long-standing Willoughby Squash Club set to be demolished.

What happened: For nearly two years, Willoughby City Council has been fighting in the NSW Land and Environment Court to halt the demolition of Willoughby Squash Club, sitting on the corner of Small Street and Willoughby Road. 

• The applicant, Think Planners, intends to demolish the building and construct a childcare centre. 

Late last month, the Land and Environment Court handed down its decision, giving the applicant permission to go ahead with the project.

History lesson: The club has been owned and operated by the same family in Willoughby for almost 50 years. In that time, local players claim many other squash and indoor racquet sport facilities have closed their doors.

Along with the centre’s squash courts, it also hosts a table tennis club and offers coaching from Olympic table tennis player Vivian Tan.

Locals upset: Local players have formed the advocacy group “Keep Squash in Willoughby”, attracting nearly 2,700 signatures for a petition to maintain squash facilities in the area. 

While the fate of the current centre seems dire, they are still calling on local councils — in particular, Willoughby City Council — to provide a permanent home for squash, table tennis, and other indoor racquet sports.

Politicians speak up: Seemingly all levels of government have united in support of the group. 

• Federal member for Bradfield, Nicolette Boele has called for the preservation of the centre, arguing that “with rising density, safeguarding local recreational infrastructure has never been more important”. 

• Likewise, local state MP Tim James has called on council and the developer to work together for a solution. 

Council promises: In late 2024, Willoughby Councillors voted unanimously to consider squash courts for its newest indoor sports facility — located in Gore Hill — and to scout out any suitable Council-owned land where new courts could be built. 

The Lorikeet asked Willoughby City Council whether there were any current plans for squash courts as part of the Gore Hill Park Precinct development. The council did not provide comment.

Jack Goodman — a local player who leads the Keep Squash in Willoughby group — told the Lorikeet that with no clear plan for a new facility, it seems likely that the area will be without squash for some time.

Image: Willoughby Squash Club