The Hunter Indoor Sports Centre is one step closer to reality.
It comes after the Response to Submissions (RtS) was lodged with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for the state-significant facility that’s expected to replace the ageing Newcastle Basketball Stadium.
Beyond its sporting benefits, the venture will also play a key role in advancing the Broadmeadow Place Strategy, paving the way for essential new housing and urban renewal in the area.
An excited Newcastle Basketball project coordinator Simon Haire welcomed the planning milestone.
“This will secure the long-term future of indoor sport in the region,” he said.
“The RtS responds to feedback gathered during the public exhibition phase, which concluded late last year.
“Our project team continued its engagement with government agencies and made adjustments to the site layout to address primary concerns.
“By shifting the building further west and adjusting vehicle movements, we’ve tackled several other key issues, too.”
Further, in response to feedback, a draft Flood Emergency Response Plan and Traffic Event Management Plan were also developed to demonstrate how those matters would be handled.
“While not typically required at this stage, we’ve taken extra precautions to provide a greater level of detail to alleviate any concerns,” Mr Haire said.
It’s understood some submissions also questioned the site selection process.
However, the recent Independent Review of City of Newcastle’s procedures, by Davidson Business Advisory, found no issues with it.
“This is a vital community project that will break down barriers to participation in sport and physical activity,” Newcastle Basketball general manager Sara Jiear said.
“It will support a range of sports including basketball, volleyball, badminton, netball, futsal and pickleball.
“The facility is designed to be fully-accessible and inclusive, ensuring people of all ages and abilities can be physically and socially active in a community atmosphere.”
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