No.2 Sportsground is located at the south western end of Newcastle's CBD in National Park.

The venue is designed to ensure that it can accommodate a range of sporting uses and community events. This will be achieved by creating a natural ampitheatre with great viewing together with appropriate quality ground surface, concourse seating and public amenities.

Progress report

The redevelopment of No.2 Sportsground is almost finished and sporting teams are booked in to use the ground during the 2012 winter season. The building works are complete and we have moved on to installing seating and lighting.

The playing field turf has been laid and is being closely monitored to ensure it establishes successfully. The ground can not be used for three months from the time the turf is laid and the weather conditions are effecting growth. This may result in a longer 'grow in' period.

The car park is done; the asphalt has been laid and trees planted. Over the coming weeks, road works will be underway in Parry Street to build a pedestrian crossing and turning lane into Marketown to improve the safety of users of the area.

Project management

The project is being undertaken in four stages, all of which have been issued Construction Certificates.

Community involvement and support

A new draft plan of management has been prepared for National Park. It sets out a clear direction for the future development, management and usage of the area. The draft plan received endorsement from Council at the Ordinary Council meeting on Tuesday 21 February, and will go on public exhibition from 5 March - 16 April. The following meetings will also be conducted:

• Community information meeting - 26 March - 6-8:30pm - Newcastle Netball clubhouse, National Park. RSVP required by 21 March to 4974 2872
• Public hearing - 4 April - 6-7pm - City Hall

Background

The proposal was initiated by the community as a means to stimulate economic activity and provide an integrated social, cultural and sporting facility that complements and builds on other services within the National Park precinct and adjacent commercial area.

The overriding theme promoted by the community is that No.2 Sportsground should not be seen as either a sporting oval, community meeting space or presentation venue but rather it should be a multi-purpose venue.

The merits of development have been considered and endorsed by a variety of forums ranging from individuals, sporting bodies, Newcastle's Sports Advisory Panel through to the Hunter Development Corporation and elected Council.

Funding

Council obtained $2 million federal government funding towards a works cost estimate of $7.1 million.

Read the  No.2 Sportsground Business Case December 2009 (10.1Mb)