At a recent council meeting the North Ward representative had an epiphany – an idea for the opening of the city’s new $10million athletics field involving involve Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt.

“It would be great for our city to ask Bolt if he would be the first person to run around the track,” he said.

With recent reports that Bolt was in talks to start a trial run as a soccer player on the Central Coast, Cr Aitchison thought the timing was perfect.

The eight-time Olympic gold medallist is currently negotiating with the Central Coast Mariners to take part in a six-week trial that could see him signed for a full season, according to News Corp.

“And wouldn’t it be great if he could come to Maitland and be the first person to spring around the new track,” Cr Aitchison said.

“It would certainly showcase Maitland and what we have on offer, in terms of top class sporting facilities, to the world,” he said.

Councillors agreed at a meeting last month to make a written submission to the Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel indicating its support for new athletics complex. 

A development application for what will be known as Maitland Regional Sporting Complex – Athletics Track was submitted to council earlier this year, meaning the $10.5 million project has taken another big step before construction begins later this year.

Jointly funded by Council and Restart NSW Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund, the project will be built on the site of the No. 2 Sportsground and Smyth Field in Central Maitland. 

The redevelopment of the site will be a welcome addition to the high quality sporting options already available in the city.

It is set to feature a 400m synthetic track and associated field facilities, an amenities building, spectator seating and car parking, which will service both the new facility and No. 1 Sportsground.

Council has now made a written submission to the planning panel indicating its support for the proposal which will comprise an all-weather athletics complex of international standard, a 600-seat grandstand and a 10-lane synthetic running track.

The development application, which was lodged with council in February, also seeks the demolition of existing structures including a skate ramp on the site.

Council’s planning officers said the application requires determination by the Joint Regional Planning Panel because the value of works exceeds $5 million, the threshold for regionally significant development under the State Environmental Planning Policy.