A much-anticipated $14 million upgrade to sporting fields, amenities and netball courts is now complete at Belmont.
But, wait, there’s more to come.
In fact, it’s estimated a further $25 million will be invested in the Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan.
Barton Field and Lumsden Oval have received major renovations, including the addition of four rectangular fields, a baseball diamond, a synthetic and a turf cricket wicket block, irrigation systems, pathways, fencing, flood lights, a site electrical update and ground re-alignment to better suit the mix of clubs that call the complex home.
Two new multi-purpose amenities buildings were also constructed, while the neighbouring Molly Smith Netball Courts received a refresh, too, including resurfacing of all 14 courts, lighting, line marking and goal posts.
The first stage of the project was funded by $1.4 million from the federal government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grant and $4.7 million from its NSW counterparts via the Resources 4 Regions Grant and Multi Sports Facility Fund.
Lake Macquarie City Council chipped in with another $5 million.
The latter also contributed $1.5 million, along with a similar amount from the state government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund, towards the netball complex.
Lake Macquarie City mayor Adam Shultz admitted once the Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan was fully-realised, it had the potential to become home to regional sporting competitions.
“To help realise the vision we have for this facility, we need the support of the Australian and NSW governments,” he said.
“Collaboration between all three levels of government is the best path to successfully deliver the quality sporting infrastructure we need in this city.
“The entire Belmont sporting facility is home to local rugby league, netball, cricket and baseball clubs, who will greatly benefit from these wholesale upgrades.
“Promisingly, the improved precinct could potentially accommodate soccer, rugby union and touch football in the future.
“But, the elite standard and scale of this facility means it’s now equipped to attract new users and higher levels of competition than ever before.”
Shortland MP Pat Conroy said the upgraded fields were an important asset for Lake Mac families.
“Local sporting clubs raised the state of the fields with me,” he explained.
“So, I’m pleased the Commonwealth delivered $1.4 million towards the improvements.
“As a dad, I’m looking forward to using the new fields with my kids.
“They’re a fantastic asset the whole community can enjoy.”
Swansea MP Yasmin Catley added the upgrades were a game-changer for user groups, particularly female sporting clubs.
“The facility will be such an asset to our community and allow us to host regional events right here at Belmont,” she said.
“I know that Lakes United cannot wait to access the fields and with the women’s game only continuing to grow, modern amenities are a necessity.”
Council is now seeking funding from both the state and federal governments to enable the Belmont Sports Complex to realise its full potential.
Plans include:
- Stage 2a – $4.6m: detailed design to deliver the master plan, plus upgrading the playing field including surface improvements, drainage and irrigation, and car park upgrades at Barton Field
- Stage 2b – $10m: new lighting, a grandstand, ground seating and new amenities at Barton Field; and improvements to the Maude Street entrance
- Stage 3a – $8.2m: cricket nets, a baseball diamond and car park improvements at Les Miller Field
- Stage 3b – $2.2m: new lighting at Les Miller Field
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