News
11 September, 2025
Green light for new Men's Shed in Wollondilly
The Wollondilly Shire Local Planning Panel (LPP) has granted approval for a new Men’s Shed in Silverdale.
The Wollondilly Shire Local Planning Panel (LPP) has granted approval for a new Men’s Shed in Silverdale.
The decision was made at an extraordinary meeting of the LPP on August 28.
The shed will be built on council-owned land at 85 Marsh Road and will be known as the Warradale Men’s Shed.
The project is expected to cost just over $400,000 and will include a workshop, office, amenities and all associated infrastructure including nine on-site carparking spaces.
The Warradale Men’s Shed has been operating for more than 10 years on land owned by the Warragamba Workers and Sporting Club and was described in a staff report as “a valuable community resource that supports the health and well-being of the ageing population in the Warragamba/Silverdale area”.
However with the Workers Club planning to take possession of the land and release it for sale, the Warradale Men’s Shed has been looking for a new home.
The LPP was advised that a number of council-owned sites had been evaluated in the Warragamba and Silverdale areas for construction of a Men’s Shed. The Marsh Road site was considered the most suitable because of permissibility of use, availability of sewerage, reasonable construction costs, its reasonably large size and “the synergy it offers by being situated near another local volunteer organisation – the Silverdale Rural Fire Brigade”.
Council endorsed the Marsh Road site for relocation of the Men’s Shed at its November 2023 meeting.
There have been a number of concerns relating to the project including tree loss, wildlife impact and impact on the area’s natural outlook and semi-rural character. Other concerns have been raised relating to noise, inadequate parking and the six-metre height of the building. It has also been suggested that land for a new Men’s Shed be purchased closer to the town centre.
However the LPP was advised that amended site plans would minimise tree loss and impacts on wildlife and habitat. The building’s setback from the street boundary had been increased and the shed would be “reasonably screened” by the existing RFS building, other sheds and trees.
Parking was considered adequate and the height of the building was described as similar to the existing RFS shed and “consistent with other Men’s Sheds”. Purchase of an alternate site could not be pursued due to lack of available funds and grant funding for Men’s Sheds was usually only available for buildings on council-owned properties.
Noise was also considered acceptable although hours of operation will be limited to 9am-2pm three days a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) to ensure use of the Men’s Shed “operates in a manner that is compatible with surrounding uses”.
The hours of operation were described by one panel member as unnecessarily heavy-handed.
Wollondilly has six Men’s Sheds. Besides Warradale, there are also sheds in Appin, Bargo, Menangle, Oakdale and Tahmoor. They are described on council’s website as “non-judgemental inclusive places for blokes to learn new skills, hone in old skills or even just drop by for a cuppa and a chat”.
There are more than 1200 Men’s Sheds across Australia, providing a place for more than 50,000 men to connect and to contribute something back to their communities.
It is understood Wollondilly Shire Council’s Project Delivery Team will seek grant funding for construction of the new Men’s Shed in Marsh Road and a starting date for construction is therefore impossible to determine.
Read More: Wollondilly, Silverdale