Newcastle Labor councillors are calling on the NSW Government to buy the former Hamilton North Gasworks site to relocate Newcastle Basketball Stadium.
The move follows recent reports of the 7.4-hectare Clyde Street property’s impending sale.
Current owner Jemena invested more than $11.5 million to remediate historical contamination at the locale.
But, acquiring the land would still enable significant redevelopment and new housing to be delivered at Broadmeadow, while accommodating a home for the delivery of existing community facilities like the PCYC, Hunter Indoor Sports Centre and tennis, too.
The site also expands the options available to the government, providing a pathway to keep the basketball centre within the precinct, at the same time as avoiding impacts to Wallarah and Blackley ovals.
The Broadmeadow Place Strategy, developed in partnership by the NSW Department of Planning and City of Newcastle (CN), outlines the district could support 20,000 additional homes and up to 60,000 new residents.
The first stage includes an ambitious goal to deliver 3,200 dwellings in the next five years.
That would only be facilitated through the relocation of the entertainment centre and basketball stadium.
“The remediated gasworks site presents a sensible and pragmatic option to ensure the full vision for Broadmeadow can be realised,” Cr Margaret Wood said.
“Our city needs new homes… and quickly.
“One of the fastest ways we can help do that is by progressing the Broadmeadow Place Strategy, including the rezoning and redevelopment of existing sites occupied by Newcastle Basketball and the PCYC.
“Both facilities are ageing and need to be replaced.
“The acquisition of the Jemena site is consistent with the unanimously resolved position of the elected council on 28 May.
“We made it clear the Broadmeadow planning changes needed to incorporate the continued operation of the PCYC, Newcastle Basketball, Newcastle Tennis, Broadmeadow Magic and Newcastle Show in the precinct, together with significantly-enhanced public community open space, indoor sports, leisure and aquatic facilities.
“I’m hopeful this is an approach that meets the needs of all Novocastrians.”
Even though the NSW Government has started an investment of $25 million towards a new Hunter Indoor Sports facility, it’s been unable to locate it within the Broadmeadow precinct.
Existing arrangements have not enabled funding to go towards the acquisition of property.
As a result, the most suitable option has been the Wallarah Oval crown land.
“We recognise the impact of that proposed relocation and are working with the NSW Government on possible alternatives,” Cr Peta Winney-Baartz said.
“Unfortunately, the exploration of other options, such as the former Astra Street landfill facility, have proven unsuccessful.
“We’ve also received confirmation from the NSW Government that it cannot be located directly within the sports and entertainment precinct.
“Given the gasworks site’s impending sale, it would make sense for this land to be returned to government ownership, to enable complementary community use as part of the Broadmeadow redevelopment.
“Labor councillors are committed to supporting a high-quality indoor sports centre for our city, providing new opportunities for players of basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton and futsal.
“We know a new facility would be welcomed by everyone, from young kids to adults, and both amateurs and professionals.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes agreed the gasworks site presented a very “positive opportunity” for the community.
“It could potentially enable critical new community facilities to be delivered, while also freeing land for housing,” she said.
For more news stories:
- Protestors upset with Hunter’s role in Gaza war
- Australia Post under fire for lack of resourcing in Hunter
- Dredging works completed at Swansea Channel
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
