Southwest Sydney’s cricketers, netballers and futsal players now have a place to train, compete and develop their skills at the redevelopment of the sports centre at Miller’s Michael Wenden Aquatic Centre.

Delivered in partnership with and funded by Belgravia Leisure, the $250,000 Indoor Cricket Centre provides a competition-standard venue featuring purpose-built cricket nets, bowling machines and tiered spectator seating.

Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said the facility fills a significant gap in sporting infrastructure across the region.

“Liverpool has needed a facility like this for decades, and now they’ve got one in Miller,” Mayor Mannoun said.

“All forms of sport are experiencing strong participation growth across Southwest Sydney, but indoor facilities have not kept pace with that demand. The rarely found tiered spectator seating gives families and supporters a proper place to watch competition,” he said.

“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 Cox, Belgravia Leisure CEO.

“What’s fantastic is that these facilities will open 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,” he said.

The centre supports social and competition use, coaching and development programs, social competitions, school and community activities and high-performance training throughout the year.

The project is fully funded by Belgravia Leisure under its agreement to operate Liverpool City Council leisure centres.

Mayor Mannoun said the facility demonstrates the way council builds commercial partnerships to provide excellent facilities for Liverpool residents.

“Liverpool is a young and growing city, and our residents want access to modern facilities 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.”

The Indoor Cricket Centre is located at the Michael Wenden Aquatic Centre, Miller, and will offer year-round programs and activities for players, sporting clubs, schools and community groups.