The future of Willoughby Squash Club has been sealed by a court decision, ending a long community campaign and leaving local players searching for a new place to train and compete.
A Longstanding Community Sports Hub
The NSW Land and Environment Court approved the demolition of the Willoughby Squash Club site in December. The ruling clears the way for the privately owned Willoughby Road property to be redeveloped into a multi-storey childcare centre.
It followed a two-year campaign by local players, families and supporters. They urged council and developers to keep the courts or secure an alternative venue. Established in the late 1970s, the club served generations across Sydney’s North Shore.
It had 10 squash courts, including Sydney’s only dedicated doubles courts. The venue also hosted table tennis, racquetball and junior coaching. Supporters say it helped develop athletes who later competed at national and international levels.
Court Decision and Redevelopment Plan
The redevelopment plan moved ahead after the property owner decided to sell the site as part of retirement planning. Willoughby City Council raised concerns about flooding, traffic, parking and building scale, and the developer appealed after the application stalled.
After changes to the original proposal, the court approved a three-storey childcare centre with 130 places. Planning material said drainage upgrades would manage local overland water flow and the proposal met planning rules, clearing the way for demolition.
Locals Rally Against Demolition
Local advocates shifted from trying to stop demolition to pushing for a replacement indoor racquet sports facility. Keep Squash in Willoughby has been urging councils across the North Shore to provide land for a new, permanent centre.
Supporters say the club’s loss reflects a wider decline in squash venues across Sydney as sites are redeveloped. A public petition has drawn thousands of signatures, showing concern about the long-term future of indoor racquet sports in the area.
What Happens Next for Indoor Racquet Sports
Willoughby Council has acknowledged the club’s importance and previously resolved to support indoor racquet sports in principle. The council says it remains committed to working with the community to explore future options, but no replacement site or timeline has been confirmed.
For players and families, attention has shifted to long-term planning rather than further legal action. Advocates are still seeking support from councils and landholders to keep indoor racquet sports accessible on the North Shore as the site moves toward redevelopment.
Published 22-December-2025
