Maryland will soon boast the first new district-level sports facility in the region in more than two decades.
City of Newcastle (CN) is set to transform an undeveloped five-hectare site into a hub, which can cater for football, league, union, AFL and cricket via four multi-use fields.
It’ll also include a dual-facing grandstand with changerooms, public amenities and a car park.
Enclosed practice nets, spectator seating, shared paths and fitness stations are proposed in the staged draft masterplan at Creek Road, too.
Ward 4 councillors Callum Pull, Elizabeth Adamczyk and Deahnna Richardson welcomed the development.
“We’re working to address current and future demand for sporting infrastructure across the city… and in our western suburbs,” Cr Pull said.
“As part of this, we’re targeting a state-of-the-art precinct in the Western Corridor Urban Release Area to support our growing region.
“This will be the first time City of Newcastle has delivered a completely new sporting facility of district-level standard from an undeveloped site for many decades, if not longer.
“It is important that we also acknowledge and thank the local community members and groups who have engaged with council and helped us to progress this project.”
Cr Adamczyk admitted it would be a landmark undertaking for the western suburbs.
“Our long-term Strategic Sports Plan is a commitment to building the recreational and sporting facilities needed to service the existing and growing population in Newcastle’s western suburbs like Fletcher, Maryland, Minmi and Wallsend,” she said.
“They have experienced population increases of about 50% during the past decade… and with many more younger families making their home in this key centre of the city.
“This milestone marks the beginning of consultation with our sporting associations, clubs and community to ensure this critical new infrastructure meets their needs and reinforces council’s pledge to enhancing green spaces and fields for passive and active recreation that will be enjoyed by generations to come.”
Cr Richardson encouraged residents and associated groups to have their say on the draft masterplan during the public exhibition period, which opens on Tuesday 2 September and continues through until 5pm on Tuesday 14 October.
“It is a significant venture that will be developed in collaboration with the community and in consideration of the growth and needs of various sporting codes,” she said.
“The project will be carefully planned to protect the surrounding natural environment and to allow for a range of active and passive recreation opportunities to co-exist within the precinct.
“Future investigations could also include the development of a northern portion of the broader site, providing additional opportunities to support further growth.”
The endeavour is likely to be delivered in stages during the next five-to-10 years, with the support of government funding and external partnerships.
Newcastle is currently home to 10 district-level sports facilities, including Adamstown No. 1, Darling St Oval and Passmore Oval.
To find out more about the Draft Creek Road Sports Concept Masterplan or to make a submission, visit the Have Your Say page on CN’s website.
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