Plans for a major new indoor sports centre in the Hunter have taken another step forward, with the project’s estimated cost increasing to $102 million.
Newcastle Basketball has submitted its updated Response to Submissions and supporting technical reports as part of the State Significant Development assessment for the proposed Hunter Indoor Sports Centre at Wallarah/Blackley Ovals.
The response addresses issues including traffic, parking, flooding, event management, noise, lighting, sustainability and landscaping.
Newcastle Basketball Chair Jaclyn Mottram said the latest submission responded to matters raised during the assessment process.
“This project has undergone extensive assessment and scrutiny, and the latest work responds directly to issues raised through the assessment process,” Ms Mottram said.
The project’s estimated cost has increased from about $82 million to $102 million, with Newcastle Basketball attributing the change to construction cost increases and additional design work.
The revised proposal includes enhanced façade treatments, additional glazing and sustainability measures recommended by the NSW State Design Review Panel.
“We recognise this is a significant investment and it is important to be transparent about how the estimate has changed,” Ms Mottram said.
“The revised estimate reflects today’s construction market and a more developed design, including sustainability improvements and recommendations from the State Design Review Panel.
“It provides a realistic basis for future funding and delivery discussions”.
The proposed 12-court centre would provide a new home for Newcastle Basketball, replacing its more than 50-year-old Broadmeadow stadium, which has two full-size courts.
It would include a show court with retractable seating for up to 2500 spectators, high-performance training facilities and spaces for community and school programs.
Planning has identified a need for more than 20 additional indoor courts across the Newcastle Basketball catchment by 2041.
Newcastle Basketball junior player parent Chris Catto said the need extended beyond basketball.
“I grew up playing on these courts and now I’m watching my child do the same,” Mr Catto said.
“The facility has served generations well, but it’s no longer keeping pace with demand. This project isn’t just about basketball.
“It will create opportunities for young people across a range of indoor sports and give future generations access to facilities our region currently lacks.”
Ms Mottram said the project would help address growing demand for indoor sporting facilities across the Hunter.
“The Hunter has outgrown its existing indoor sports infrastructure,” Ms Mottram said.
“This Centre would support participation, attract events, strengthen sporting pathways and provide a facility capable of serving the region for decades to come.”
The centre is expected to attract competitions, school events and tournaments, with the project’s assessment forecasting at least 11,000 visitors from outside Newcastle each year.
The amended proposal received support from about 69 per cent of the 1,278 submissions received during the most recent exhibition.
The application will continue through the assessment process, including referral to the Independent Planning Commission for final determination.
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