Newcastle boasts the potential to host elite domestic and Big Bash League (BBL) clashes in future years.

But, not surprisingly, No. 1 Sportsground requires a major overhaul first.

That’s according to Cricket NSW, who’s calling on candidates in the upcoming federal election to support a major infrastructure project at the venue.

The undertaking, which is one of two priority ventures in the state identified in the Australian Cricket National Priorities document, has been costed at $20 million, with half of that figure being sought from the Australian Government.

It’s understood the sport locally contributes $11.3 million annually to the NSW economy, with greater Hunter home to more than 8,900 junior male cricketers and almost 1,700 female players.

When senior numbers are also considered, the region enjoys over 22,000 registrations.

Planned improvements include:

• Enhanced player and match official facilities, including upgraded changerooms and a new turf training facility
• Improved fan experiences, featuring new entry points, shaded seating and upgraded restrooms with improved accessibility for women, girls and people with disabilities
• Upgraded media and broadcast infrastructure, including enhanced lighting to meet the 1500 LUX standard required for live broadcast and streaming

“These critical upgrades will transform Newcastle No. 1 Sportsground into a venue capable of staging top-tier cricket,” Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon said.

“That includes men’s and women’s domestic one-day fixtures and first-class matches, as well as BBL and WBBL games, ensuring the Hunter can once again enjoy elite-level competition while continuing to nurture the next generation of Australian cricketers.

“So, Australian Government support is crucial to the infrastructure project that would have wide-ranging benefits for the people of Newcastle and the wider region.

“The cricket community in Newcastle, along with City of Newcastle (CN), Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia, have identified the enormous benefits these improvements to Newcastle No. 1 Sportsground would bring in inspiring everyone to play and love cricket.

“The Hunter has a strong history of producing elite cricketers for NSW and Australia.

“Yet, its premier venue, No. 1 Sportsground, remains in need of significant upgrades to meet the standards required for elite competition.

“There are tens of thousands of players and even more volunteers and supporters in the Hunter and those people deserve access to quality, modern facilities.

“With these improvements to Newcastle No. 1 Sportsground, Cricket NSW would be able to seriously look at mid-to-long term commitments to bring elite domestic formats to the venue as soon as possible.

“If the facilities for the players, fans and our broadcast partners are able to get to an acceptable level with a capacity up to 15,000 people, it could become a second home locale for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL.

“An upgraded Newcastle No. 1 would possibly be utilised as a multi-sport, multi-purpose facility, too.

“Therefore, we call on the candidates in Newcastle to commit their support ahead of the May 3 election.

“We’d like to thank those who have already backed this project and look forward to assisting our communities to make this a reality.”

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• 300,000 Hunter workers’ wages hang in the balance, says ACTU
• PM reaffirms commitment to Maitland Medicare Urgent Care Clinic during Hunter visit

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