Kaleen Indoor Sports Centre will officially close on 2 October. Photo: Ian Bushnell.
The Kaleen Indoor Sports Centre will close its doors on 2 October as the site owner prepares to demolish the site, along with its attached gym and bistro, to make way for new residential buildings.
Developer Bloc bought the site from Eastlake Football Club in August 2024 for $11.4 million.
Before the sale, Eastlake applied for a Crown lease variation to build residential blocks on the land.
In early 2025, Bloc lodged a new development application to demolish the current site, which includes the Kaleen Indoor Sports Centre, a Snap Fitness Gym and the Bristol Clubhouse bistro.
In its place, it plans to build three building blocks with up to 110 dwellings and a new smaller 1773 sqm indoor sports centre.
The current Crown lease requires the new development to have an indoor recreation facility of at least 1400 sqm, but both the requirement and the proposed facility are well below the current Kaleen Indoor Sports Centre space, which is 3823 sqm.
Kaleen Indoor Sports Centre owner Ben Santosuosso expressed his heartbreak at the outcome, saying he and many others worked tirelessly to keep the centre alive.
“It is very difficult to put into words what this place means to us,” he said.
“We have watched kids grow up here. We have seen teams become friends, families come through our doors, and people return week after week for many years.
“We have tried desperately to find another home, but unfortunately we haven’t been able to find a suitable facility to continue.”
Planned images for the new development set to replace the Kaleen Indoor Sports Centre. Image: Stewart Architecture.
A government petition was lodged to save the site or guarantee a new location for the Kaleen Indoor Sports Centre, amassing over 500 signatures from community members.
Despite the community response, the ACT Government took no action.
ACT Greens MLA and Member for Yerrabi Andrew Braddock said it was disappointing that an arrangement couldn’t be made for the popular venue.
“Unfortunately, we are seeing a development which is going to see the closure of a very popular gym in the Kaleen area and a loss of so many amenities for the local community,” he said.
“[There will be a loss] of fitness classes for seniors that are held there as well as other community activities that occur within that gym.
“Unfortunately, it [will be] replaced by a much smaller indoor sports centre than what is currently there.”
As the Indoor Sports Centre begins its final fortnight of operation, Mr Santosuosso thanked everyone involved with the venue over the last three decades, while also announcing one last Goodbye Round for the final week of its ongoing competitions.
“We want to thank every single person who has supported Kaleen Indoor Sports over the years,” he said.
“Every player, parent, child, team, coach, umpire and staff member has played a part in our story.
“When we turn the lights off for the last time, it won’t just be the end of a business. It will be the end of a place that has meant so much to so many people.
“We are going to miss you all terribly. Thank you for the memories, the friendships, the laughter and for allowing us to be part of your lives.
“It is time to say goodbye, and that is something we never wanted to do.”
Region has reached out to Bloc for comment about the new development.
