With a nearly $25 million price tag, the future Maitland Regional Sports Hub could put the city on the map as a leading regional centre for sport.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It comes after mayor Loretta Baker joined Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald for the announcement of an extra $8.5 million for the expansion and upgrade of No.1 Sportsground on Monday.
Cr Baker said the upgrade was “the icing on the cake” for the Maitland Regional Sports Hub which will include the newly renovated No.1 Sportsground and Maitland Regional Athletics Centre in its title.
“It’s the final piece of infrastructure … it will be a regional facility,” the thrilled mayor said.
“Most of the stuff we’re talking about is built infrastructure, but what we’re getting here is parklands and green space, so that is critically important for the CBD.
“We’ve already seen the potential for our city to host major sporting events like the Newcastle Knights and the Newcastle Jets at No.1 Sportsground, so this grants announcement adds to this potential.”
The works, which include an $5.2 million contribution from the state government and $3.3 million from council, will see the installation of new fencing on the field, new sports lighting for night practice and amphitheatre spectator seating.
It will also include the construction of toilets and changerooms for players and officials, a secure children’s playground, outdoor fitness station and exercise path for jogging and cycling.
“The scoreboard and the lighting will increase our capacity again to hold big matches … and we will use it to leverage our visitor economy,” Cr Baker said.
“I love having all this open space in the CBD. People will be able to come here during their lunch hour to exercise.”
In 2017, the No.1 Sportsground received a $8.6 million makeover including the construction of the 1100 capacity grandstand and field upgrade.
Soon, construction will begin on the $10.5 million Maitland Regional Athletics Centre which will be an all-weather athletics complex of international standard, a 600-seat grandstand and a 10-lane synthetic running track.
“Council has been working very effectively to putting together their vision and their plans, and then turning that into submissions and grant applications,” Mr MacDonald said.
“Maitland City Council is one of the more effective councils about putting together the package.”
Earlier this year, Rugby Australia announced the Hunter as the location for its 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup bid.
A very positive Cr Baker added council would ensure the upgrade and expansion is be completed by 2021.
“It is to be announced in four weeks time,” she said.
Works for the upgrade and expansion will begin after the completion of the athletics facility.
While you're with us, do you know the Maitland Mercury is now offering breaking news alerts and tri-weekly email newsletters? Keep up-to-date with all the local news - sign up here.