After 7 years in the pipeline, it's now official: Woodward is coming to Sydney. 

Slated to open in 2023, Woodward Sydney will be located in Castle Hill, adjacent to Castle Towers, in purpose-built premises over three levels with a building footprint of 3,650m2. The facility is slated to become the premier training ground for skateboarders in Australia, with significant financial backing from the NSW state government, in a clear reflection of the sport's newly Olympic status. 

“Sydney is the ideal city for our first expansion overseas given its history as a destination that embraces sports and commitment to the action sports lifestyle,” said Woodward President Chris Gunnarson.

“Woodward Sydney will be our most innovative concept to date – and a model for future Urban Centres. Woodward has historically been known as the place to go if you are an aspirational professional athlete, and we want all Woodward locations to be focused on empowering athletes of all abilities and ages to safely progress on a clear path at their own pace using our unique blend of innovative environments, dynamic programming, and passionate staff. Woodward Sydney will epitomize that mission.”

The Woodward Sydney facility will have a variety of zones including climbing and bouldering walls, a skatepark, pump track, mini ramps, mega ramp, foam pits, spring floor, trampolines and a gym. It will also have a café, bar and event space overlooking all the action. Programming at Woodward Sydney is set to include casual access passes, memberships, individual classes, multi-week programs, school PE programs, school holiday camps, birthday parties, events and competitions. Experiences and programming will also focus on the increased participation and empowerment of females in action sports.

“We are incredibly excited to bring Woodward to Sydney and at this location in Castle Hill,” said David Russell, Managing Director of Woodward Australia. “The project will deliver significant social and economic benefits to the area – providing a new space for active recreation and a hub for the local community, while attracting visitors from Greater Sydney, interstate and internationally. The NSW Government have also been a great supporter of the project, recognising the role Woodward will play in growing participation in sport and creating pathways for the next generation of Australian Olympic athletes – as Woodward has done in the U.S. for decades.”

The NSW Government has provided $1.8 million towards the project through a grant from the Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund. “Investing in new and existing facilities to improve the quality and quantity of sports infrastructure across Greater Sydney was a priority for the NSW Government,” said Alister Henskens, Minister for Sport. “The NSW Government recognises the critical role sports infrastructure plays in keeping communities healthy and active. Woodward Sydney will provide an indoor action sports facility which will improve participation and pathway opportunities for emerging and elite athletes.”

The hybrid nature of the facility and its training-focused design is sure to be a contentious point among skateboarders. Is this the future of skateboarding? Let us know your thoughts over on Facebook.