Environmental consultants GHD, who conducted the survey, said most people wanted to keep a deep water body within the old quarry as a feature of the park.

“The old quarry site is very significant in the Metford community and people are keen to be involved in planning for its future,” project manager Kris Leck said.

The popular view among survey participants was that such a park could become a popular spot for picnics, swimming, cycling and barbecues.

The quarry and brickworks site, south of the Hunter rail line, is leased to CSR (parent company of PGH Bricks) and will be handed back to the Crown in the near future. 

GHD was contracted to investigate site remediation options but NSW Department of Trade and Investment, Resources and Energy will determine the final plans.

The survey has also found support to extend Fieldsend Oval onto the quarry site.

GHD also co-ordinated a community consultation session at Fieldsend Oval earlier this month.

Project officers were on hand to talk to people, explain the project and help them to complete an online survey. 

When questioned about a parcel of bushland under CSR lease respondents were keen to preserve it as a habitat for flora and fauna.

Some residents supported a suggestion that the site could be used for light industrial purposes.

The brickworks are part of Maitland’s history having started operation in 1882.

It was the last brickworks decommissioned in the Maitland area.

The 1930s infrastructure will be removed from the site in two stages and a consultant is preparing a heritage interpretation plan for the old brick press.

The survey can also be found at www.surveymonkey.com/s/MetfordQuarrySurvey or call 1800 810 680.

Questions or comments can be emailed to community.input@ghd.com and feedback will be provided to the community before final plans are made.