Following a robust consultation period, Newcastle Basketball has put forward a modified proposal for the controversial Hunter Indoor Sports Centre.
The organisation will now formally tender its updated Response to Submissions (RtS), and supporting technical reports, for the next stage of the State Significant Development (SSD) assessment process.
It comes as the project continues to divide the community.
A total of 1,278 submissions were received during the public exhibition timeframe, with 69% supporting the venture.
It’s planned the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre will replace the ageing Newcastle Basketball Stadium at Broadmeadow and provide a long-term home for a wide range of sporting and community activities in the Hunter.
The design also allows for a multi-use facility capable of supporting basketball, volleyball, badminton, futsal, netball, pickleball, school programs, disability sport and much more.
Newcastle Basketball’s project consultant Simon Haire said the updated submission – refined to improve traffic, flood management, landscaping, pedestrian movement and community impacts – reflected a rigorous and responsive planning process.
“The Hunter Indoor Sports Centre is a critical piece of social infrastructure for the region,” he explained.
“Currently, the Hunter doesn’t have enough indoor space to meet demand.
“This centre will address that shortage, while aiding health, participation, inclusion and active lifestyles for decades to come.
“We’ve listened carefully to feedback and made meaningful changes to ensure the project works for both users and the local community.”
Newcastle Basketball facilitated two drop-in sessions where residents and stakeholders were able to speak directly with technical specialists across flooding, traffic, planning, urban design and open space.
Further meetings were undertaken with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), City of Newcastle, Transport for NSW, NSW SES, Venues NSW and Lambton High School, too.
“This project is a once-in-a-generation investment in the Hunter that will provide substantial long-term benefits for the wider community and support the continued growth of indoor sport participation across the region,” Newcastle Basketball board chair Jaclyn Mottram said.
“However, it’s about much more than sport.
“It is an investment in community wellbeing, accessibility and opportunity across the Hunter.
“The facility is intended to support not only organised sport, but broader community participation, school use, social connection and inclusive recreation opportunities.”
The submission also included updated architectural, flooding, traffic, landscape, environmental, social impact and operational management documentation prepared by the project’s specialist consultant team.
It’ll progress to the SSD, which takes in further evaluations from the DPHI, consultation with relevant government agencies, and consideration by the Independent Planning Commission (IPC).
The IPC process is expected to include:
- A review of the assessment documentation and agency advice
- Opportunities for further written submissions
- A site inspection
- Public meeting process
- Final determination by the Independent Planning Commission
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