Rhodes, June 2025 – A new benchmark in urban placemaking has been set with the unveiling of the $85 million Rhodes Recreation Centre, a 9,200 square metre community hub delivered by leading Sydney developer Billbergia Group. Located in the heart of Sydney’s Inner West, the Centre has been delivered under a $97 million Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) with the City of Canada Bay Council and is set to officially open later this year.
Designed by renowned architecture firm SJB and located at 6 Gauthorpe Street, the new facility sits within a three-level podium beneath the 48-storey Peake and 43-storey Oasis residential towers. Together, they comprise Stage Two of Billbergia’s broader $3 billion Rhodes Central Masterplan.
The project’s delivery comes at a pivotal time, as NSW Government housing reforms continue to accelerate new housing supply to ease ongoing shortages. This development stands as a compelling case for how the private and public sectors can collaborate to simultaneously expand housing and deliver high-quality social infrastructure.
Driven by a strong placemaking ethos, the Rhodes Recreation Centre is poised to elevate local vibrancy and pedestrian activity through a suite of highly sought-after community facilities, further enhancing the liveability of this fast-growing suburb.
“Rhodes Recreation Centre is the community heart of our high-density TOD development, bringing to life Billbergia’s vision for a future-focused, liveable urban environment that prioritises amenity, not just density,” said Saul Moran, Development Director – Planning and Design at Billbergia.
The Centre will offer a broad mix of community amenities, including two full-sized indoor sports courts, a gymnastics facility, a 70-place childcare centre, a Community Lounge, allied health services, and flexible spaces for local events. Fitness offerings include a gym with cardio and weight training areas, group fitness rooms, a creche, and an outdoor terrace. Sustainability features are also integrated throughout the facility.
“The Rhodes Recreation Centre stands as a benchmark in successful public-private collaboration. Through a VPA with Canada Bay Council, we’ve created a pathway to unlock additional housing supply while delivering significant, lasting community infrastructure. It’s a clear demonstration of how thoughtful public and private partnerships can shape vibrant, liveable neighbourhoods,” Mr Moran added.
Amenities within the adjoining residential towers reflect the same commitment to quality and liveability, incorporating a swimming pool, spa, sauna, children’s play zones, library, and theatre rooms.
The Rhodes Central Masterplan emphasises inclusive placemaking with pedestrian-friendly connections, including through-site links that improve access to both the Rhodes railway station and the Homebush Bay waterfront.
Stage One of the masterplan, completed in 2021, introduced the 13,000 square metre Rhodes Central Shopping Centre, which features a full-line Woolworths, convenience retail, medical facilities, and the Bamboo Lane dining precinct.
Billbergia has an established legacy in delivering impactful social infrastructure across both Rhodes and Wentworth Point. Past contributions include Phoenix Park, the $63 million Bennelong Bridge, the Baylink Shuttle service, the Wentworth Point Community Centre and Library, and the temporary Wentworth Point Pop-Up Town Square.
Further reinforcing its dedication to placemaking, the developer is also delivering an $8.4 million library as part of its mixed-tenure Arncliffe Central project in Sydney’s south. That project could see up to 75% of residences dedicated to social, affordable, and essential worker rental housing, alongside new childcare facilities, convenience retail, cafés, and a 4,000 square metre park with family play areas for the wider community.
