North Sydney club’s lease extended again
North Sydney PCYC has received an additional eight-month lease extension to stay at its Falcon Street premises, after it was slated for closure in October, 2024.
Health Infrastructure bought the site – reportedly for $11.55 million – from the state-wide charity, and is planning to build a new ambulance station on the land. News of the closure had been met with dismay by the local community, including schools, which use the busy venue for activities, including boxing and gymnastics.
A Health Infrastructure spokesperson told NL it had provided an extension until December for the PCYC to use the site.
Graham McLaughlin, PCYC general manager of club operations, said: “We are delighted to continue serving the local community with sport and recreation activities and our life-changing youth programs,” Mr McLaughlin said.
The PCYC was due to close in October 2024, but was given a six- month extension on its lease until April 2025, which has now been stretched out until 2 December.
North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker said it was ‘commendable’ that the PCYC could continue operating while Ambulance NSW planned for the new station.
“The PCYC serves vital social and recreational needs of our community, especially for young people,” Mayor Baker said.
“Council remains committed to working with the PCYC to secure another site within the North Sydney local government area so that these vital services can continue, particularly as we face increased population density and consequential demand for recreation and youth services over the coming years,” Mayor Baker added.
The Health Infrastructure spokesperson told NL plans for the new Ambulance Station were ‘progressing.’ “Construction timeframes will be confirmed as planning progresses and the community will be updated on the status of the new ambulance project.”
The PCYC was established 88 years ago and has dozens of sites across NSW. It provides young people with a safe and supportive environment where they can get active, build skills, and connect with their community.
PCYC works with at-risk youth to break the cycle of disadvantage through crime prevention, vocational education, and social responsibility programs. The North Sydney site has operated a successful anti-graffiti program, and police officers conduct fitness classes with at risk youth as well as provide breakfast.