Owners of the Cedar Mill amphitheatre Winarch Group have refused to confirm apparent plans to majorly downsize the facility.

The $235 million redevelopment of the Morisset Golf Course was set to include a 30,000-capacity concert venue, cafes, restaurants and tourist accommodation.

After the initial design was confirmed between Winarch and Lake Macquarie City Council in 2022, construction began shortly after.

However, concerns were raised when the project seemingly reached a plateau over the past 12 months, leading to speculation from the community.

Winarch Group addressed the delays, stating they were due to architectural revisions among other issues.

Despite the standstill, officials said major concerts featuring the likes of Metallica and Pearl Jam were still set to be staged as soon as early 2026.

But, recent reports suggest a vastly different story.

It is understood the amphitheatre and entertainment precinct will undergo a significant downsize.

According to some narratives, the site’s large shell-like structure will be removed as a part of the alternative plans, but this is yet to be confirmed.

A statement released by a Winarch Group spokesperson suggests the theories are not entirely false.

“While certain aspects of the original Cedar Mill Lake Macquarie vision will change, we remain steadfast in our plans to deliver the region a premier multipurpose entertainment precinct to serve as a much-needed vibrant hub for arts, culture and live entertainment,” they said.

“Updated plans and a revised timeline will be submitted to council in April.”

Representatives refused to comment any further on the matter until the changes are lodged.

The Newcastle Weekly believes the decision has caused angst within the community due to prematurely-allocated funds being directed towards infrastructure to support the venture.

Investments include $2.5 million from the state government and Lake Macquarie council to install an additional road into the Cedar Mill area.

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