Squash courts become childcare centres in adaptive reuse developments

One example is a previously run-down squash and leisure centre in Carey Bay, regional NSW, that was redeveloped by commercial builder Skelcon.

Managing director Joel Skelton says the company came across the property, which included about 12 squash courts, in 2021 and initially considered turning it into a medical centre. But a childcare centre proved the right fit for the area.

The site, which has 900 square metres of internal space and 700 square metres externally, already had development application approval for a smaller centre with 50 childcare places, but Skelton says they were able to raise the capacity to a maximum of 100 childcare places.

“I think for us it was the location; it was in a kind of shopping village, which was the perfect place for a childcare centre,’’ he says.

“We were lucky in a sense that it had a portion of outdoor space, so it had effectively enough yard for the playgrounds, which worked really well.’’

The building had ample parking – crucial for parents dropping off and picking up their kids – and the courts themselves were able to be reconfigured to meet childcare regulations.

“It’s just a big open space that lends itself really well,’ Skelton says.

“The difficult thing with the squash courts was light; we had to be pretty smart with how we designed each room to ensure a minimum of light.’’

Given the demand for childcare in the area, Skelton says it was easy to find a tenant for the newly developed centre, which features six playrooms, a large staff area and two outdoor play areas.

The centre was originally tenanted by Little Zak’s Academy but is now a Crocodile Kids Early Learning Centre.

“It feels like squash keeps trying to have a rebrand but not enough to have any sort of business run their own courts,’’ Sketon says.

In Bomaderry, north of Nowra in NSW, a former squash centre is also making the switch from ball sports to early learning.

In 2023, the Cyclo Group submitted plans to Shoalhaven Council for the $1.4 million redevelopment of an old squash court and gym into an early learning facility for more than 100 children, including two nurseries and four rooms for toddlers.

The upper level was initially planned as medical offices but will now house an Anytime Fitness gym.

Cyclo senior project manager Gavin Rangitaawa says the childcare centre has reached lock-up stage, with The Grove Academy due to move in mid-year.

The 3900-square-metre site originally housed a building containing six glass-fronted squash courts, a gym and an apartment.

Rangitaawa says one of the most difficult parts was redesigning the upstairs structure that will become the gym area. A former gym was removed to make room for more parking.

Rangitaawa says the surrounding area includes a supermarket and a vet next door, with plans for further development and cafes close by.

“We can’t wait for this one to come to life; it will be a really good little hub,’’ he says.

Not all squash court redevelopments have been without controversy.

One of the last remaining squash centres in Sydney is set to be turned into a childcare centre, but only after an appeal to the Land and Environment Court in December last year.

The court ruled that the former Willoughby Squash Club, located at 443 Willoughby Road, could be redeveloped into a $2.9 million centre with places for 130 children, despite a two-year campaign from community action group Keep Squash in Willoughby.

The sports club, which had been a fixture in Willoughby for nearly 50 years, included 10 squash, table tennis and racquet sports courts.

The new childcare centre will reuse the existing building and take a sustainable approach to the site, according to the development application lodged with Willoughby City Council.

“The subject site is ideal for accommodating a childcare centre as it is located within an established residential area on a corner, and is within close proximity to a large commercial centre and transport hub,’’ it says.