Long-awaited work to replace an amenities block at Middle Head Oval, promoting greater inclusion in sports and community activities, will commence in 2025 following a project determination by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.
Mosman Council and key site users have welcomed the decision of the Trust.
The approved project will involve demolishing an existing circa-1980s amenities block and replacing it with a new building.
Council has a longstanding perpetual licence to replace buildings in the area for active sporting purposes and worked collaboratively with stakeholders on a modern replacement for the existing amenities block, which is located on Trust land.
Mosman Mayor Ann Marie Kimber said approval of the longstanding proposal was a great outcome for users of Middle Head, including the children and adults who play sport on the oval.
"This is a great outcome for the community and for active sports users," Mayor Kimber said.
"This area has long served the community as an important green space and Council has invested significantly in upgrades to the oval.
"Council has worked very closely with sporting and community groups who use the facility to ensure they have an updated facility that will meet their needs into the future.
"We've waited a long time for this, and we're very confident the community is going to love the new building."
Mosman Football Club President Richard Pike welcomed approval of the new facility.
"The existing toilet block is grossly inadequate when it comes to meeting the needs of sporting clubs and the broader community, particularly for female participants who currently have no suitable change rooms," he said.
"In an era when our community is embracing women's sport and encouraging more inclusive participation at all levels of competition, facilities such as the new building at Middle Head Oval are essential.
"It will enhance the Middle Head Oval experience for all visitors in a way that respects the cultural heritage of this site."
The new facility also aligns with the Trust's broader vision for Middle Head, as articulated in its recently adopted masterplan.
Council has taken on feedback from the Trust and carefully respected the heritage and environmental values of the site.
Designed by the award-winning architect responsible for the Allan Border Oval Pavilion, Tomek Archer of Archer Office, the new Middle Head Oval amenities block also pays great attention to environmental sustainability.
It will be located on the edge of the sporting field, in close proximity to the existing amenities site and represents a very modest increase in size to the soon-to-be-demolished facility.
No vegetation will be cut down as part of the works.
The modified location and lower overall building height will open up sweeping harbour views at the site, with the overall design complementing the iconic headland location.
Council plans to commence construction of the new facility in 2025.
Information on the project approval is available via the Trust's website: harbourtrust.gov.au.