City of Newcastle kicking on with Creek Road concept
- intouch Magazine
- 32 minutes ago
- 2 min read
A new district level sports facility in Maryland is a step closer to reality with City of Newcastle unveiling the preferred final layout for the undeveloped five-hectare site.
Councillors will vote at Tuesday's Ordinary Council Meeting whether to adopt the Creek Road Masterplan, which has been updated using feedback from the community, sporting associations and local clubs.
The design has been configured to include two premier size fields to cater for football, rugby league and rugby union, two smaller junior rectangular fields, as well as a cricket oval with four turf wickets.
Detailed design work is expected to begin in 2026/27, subject to the Masterplan being endorsed by Councillors next week.
City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said the masterplan has been shaped by the community.
“Extensive feedback was sought from key user groups and the broader community to ensure the needs of all users were considered,” Ms Duffy said.
“Based on feedback the preferred sporting codes identified for Creek Road are football, rugby league, rugby union and cricket.
“Public consultation also influenced key changes to the design such as ensuring Fields 1 and 2 are premier size rectangular fields, as well as adding bus parking for larger events such as gala days and moving more parking spaces closer to junior fields.
“The process to determine which clubs can use the facility will commence following detailed feasibility and design and is expected to involve an expression of interest process.
“In relation to netball and tennis, alternative locations for additional courts in the area will be investigated as part of our review of the Strategic Sports Plan.”
The precinct will also feature cricket practice nets, a dual-facing grandstand with four changerooms, two referee rooms, a first aid room, canteen, and an upstairs multipurpose club room, all fully accessible and female friendly.
The site will offer parking for around 100 cars and bus parking on Creek Road, terraced seating, toilets and storage areas, additional trees, fitness stations, open space and a walking trail through the adjacent wetland.
Sports Infrastructure Working Party Chair Cr Peta Winney-Baartz said the project is likely to be delivered in stages during the next five to 10 years.
“City of Newcastle is committed to bringing the Creek Road Masterplan to life but will need the support of State and Federal funding,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
“This project will support our booming western suburbs by turning vacant land, some of which used to be a filling site for coal washery waste, into a multisport community space and also provide walking trails through the wetland, trees and landscaping.
“It will ensure the natural environment is celebrated and protected, allowing for a range of active and passive recreation opportunities to co-exist within the precinct.
“The preferred final layout is a win for many sporting codes including football, cricket, rugby league, rugby union, touch football and oztag, and ensures we can cater for an increasing number of female participants.
“The design also features pathways with security lighting, a shared path connection to Minmi Road and a proposal for a future cycle route through the precinct.”
