City of Newcastle (CN) is pushing ahead with improvements at Smith Park in Hamilton North, with the contract for construction now open for tender.
The project will see new drainage and irrigation installed, as well as the realignment of the three synthetic cricket wickets.
The upgrade is being delivered by CN, with support from a $2.5 million grant secured by the Newcastle Junior Cricket Association through the NSW Government’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the work will form part of the Smith Park Masterplan, which is in the process of being finalised.
“City of Newcastle is committed to upgrading sporting facilities across the community for the benefit of all,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Smith Park is a popular facility that caters for a large number of sporting groups including junior and senior cricket, football clubs, and a thriving Oztag competition.
“City of Newcastle sought extensive feedback from key user groups and the broader community to make sure the needs of all users were considered during the development of the precinct’s Masterplan.
“This initial project will be consistent with the long-term vision for the park and will meet the needs of all users.”
Chair of CN’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the upgrade also aligns with City of Newcastle’s Strategic Sport Plan 2020.
“We’re committed to delivering our long-term vision for upgrading facilities across the community,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
“The 10-year Strategic Sport Plan is designed to address future demand and inform the ongoing maintenance and improvements to sporting infrastructure across the Local Government Area and includes several recommendations relating to Smith Park.
“Since adopting the Plan, we’ve implemented or are progressing 84 per cent of its 93 recommendations, working collaboratively with sporting clubs across the city to ensure we cater for the needs of our community now and into the future.”
Submissions can be made via www.tenderlink.com/newcastle
Smith Park isn’t the only popular sporting precinct subject to a new long-term vision for its future, with CN recently adopting a 15-year Masterplan for the nearby Adamstown Park.
