BREAKING: A crucial public land sale at John Street, Wallsend has been approved to generate over $550,000 for Newcastle’s first major sports precinct in over two decades. This decision, made by the City of Newcastle councillors, aims to kickstart the development of a much-needed sports facility on five hectares of land located on Creek Road, Maryland.
The funds from the land sale will directly support this urgent project, which is expected to significantly enhance local sports infrastructure. Newcastle Labor councillor Deahnna Richardson emphasized the importance of this funding, stating that it is “desperately needed” to advance plans for the sports precinct. She noted that early allocation of funds is vital for attracting potential grant funding, which requires matching contributions.
The site at John Street was identified as surplus in a thorough council audit. More than 120 submissions were gathered from the community regarding the Maryland sports precinct, with over 90 percent in favor of the initiative. The feedback came from a diverse range of sports associations, showcasing strong community support for various codes including football, rugby league, cricket, tennis, netball, cycling, touch football, and Oztag.
Plans for the sports precinct include the construction of essential facilities such as a dual-facing grandstand, change rooms, a canteen, and public amenities. The design also features training areas, cricket nets, fitness stations, ample car parking, and landscaping improvements. Two concepts are under consideration, both proposing a year-round rectangular field alongside a cricket field with four turf wickets, with options for additional fields or an AFL field.
Councillor Richardson stated, “Creek Road is not a whim; a masterplan has been prepared and publicly exhibited. Extensive consultations have been undertaken with identified user groups.” She highlighted that while the site may face potential contamination issues, securing funding early in the process is crucial for timely delivery.
The final masterplan is set to be presented to councillors later this year, with detailed design work anticipated to commence in the 2026-27 financial year. The project will be rolled out in stages over the next five to ten years, relying on government support and external partnerships. Grounds will be allocated to specific sports clubs through a separate process in the future.
This development represents a significant step forward for Newcastle’s sporting community, promising to enhance local sports participation and facilities for years to come. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
