The expansion of the Hunter Sports Centre at Glendale is one step closer thanks to a $10 million funding commitment from the Federal Government.
The Building Better Regions grant will allow Lake Macquarie City Council to proceed with the long-planned $25.7 million project that will nurture the athletes of tomorrow, drive event tourism and support the region’s sporting community.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser joined the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Barnaby Joyce, at the centre today to announce the funds.
“This is exciting news for our city that will bring more major events to Lake Macquarie and our region and provide state-of-the-art facilities for the benefit of our community,” she said.
“Through this partnership with the Federal Government, Council will deliver a multi-purpose, world-class sporting facility supporting a diverse range of activities.”
The expansion will also improve site access and safety, provide additional parking, and a new signalised pedestrian crossing.
When finished, it is likely to bring 260,000 visitors to the region each year, with flow-on benefits to the local economy of more than $16 million.
The project will also create more than 100 jobs during the construction phase.
Cr Fraser added the work will boost Hunter Sport Centre’s standing as one of the region’s premier sporting precincts, complementing other facilities across the area.
“This will better position the city and region to bid for major state, national and international events such as the 2022 Australian Deaf Games, which Lake Macquarie will co-host with Newcastle next year,” she said
“Staying active and engaged in community sport is so important to council and our community – particularly as our community recovers from the economic and wellbeing impacts of COVID-19.”
Key features of the shovel-ready project, which has DA-approval from the Regional Planning Panel, include the following:
- 4505m2 expansion
- Athletics track improvements (potential World Athletics Class 1 classification)
- New community, meeting and function rooms
- Improved health, fitness and treatment facilities
Council will release a tender for construction of the extension in the new year.
The Hunter Sports Centre expansion was one of three projects funded through round five of the Building Better Regions Fund.
Lake Macquarie City Council also received $85,000 for the Creative LAKE Art Trail and $40,000 to part-fund a study that will forecast demand for jobs, housing and services in the growing Morisset area.
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
