The disused council-owned site at Churchill Street will be converted into multi-use netball and basketball courts, bringing a happy end to a long community fight to save the recreational area.

But the conversion of the courts — estimated to cost as much as half a million dollars — is still a long way off with no funding currently earmarked for the project.

Faulconbridge Netball Club secretary Kay Burton welcomed the decision, telling councillors the club was happy to share the courts with other users.

“We’re very grateful and we hope not to annoy the neighbours too much,” she said.

Ward 3 Clr Alison McLaren said she was thrilled to see the site converted to a centre for netball and basketball, particularly considering its proximity to Faulconbridge Public and Springwood High Schools.

“It’s fabulous to see we’re finally moving forward,” she said.

While lack of funds could delay the long-term conversion of the courts, council staff said a rezoning to allow the redevelopment could take as little as two to three months.

The fate of the tennis courts site has bounced back and forth more often than the ball in an epic rally, with council originally planning to sell the site for residential development until a community backlash forced them to reverse these plans.