The multi-million dollar Maitland Regional Athletics Centre has opened with the ribbon snipped at an official ceremony on Monday.
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Maitland mayor Loretta Baker was joined by Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Catherine Cusack to do the honours with the unveiling of a plaque and cutting of the red ribbon at the James Street complex.
Speaking to the crowd, Cr Baker said the facility would be a jewel for the city's sporting community.
"This is a momentous day for sport in Maitland. I am happy to be here to mark this occasion. I have no doubt that residents and visitors to our growing community will enjoy this amazing facility for many years to come.
"It's fantastic to see the city now has an athletics facility that rivals anything else that you will find in regional NSW.
"Maitland is a great place to live, work and play. And as our city continues to expand, we need to ensure our sporting and recreational facilities keep pace with this growth.
"From hosting local clubs and school athletics to drawing major athletics events to the area, we are so excited to see the benefits of this facility for our community."
The $10.5 million project was joint funded by Council and Restart NSW Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund, and includes a World Athletics Certified synthetic athletics track, playing field, track and field facilities, floodlighting, a grandstand with capacity of 560, changerooms, canteen, two large function spaces and car parking.
Ms Cusack congratulated Maitland City Council on supporting and pushing forward the development of the facility.
"Maitland and the whole Hunter has produced some incredible athletics ... Having facilities which are up to standard are so important to maintain that incredible tradition into the future," she said.
"This is also a facility for ages and levels of ability in our community."
The completion of the Maitland Regional Athletics Centre is stage two of the total three stages of the wider Maitland Regional Sports Complex redevelopment.
Stage three of the redevelopment includes a walking track, new playground, outdoor exercise facilities and additional amenities.
Construction is expected to be completed during 2021.
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