City of Newcastle seeks Federal Government funding to secure future for cricket venue

The City of Newcastle Council is seeking Federal Government funding for the second stage of planned improvements to Newcastle’s No.1 Sportsground, which it says would deliver the upgrades required to host elite national level competition.

Newcastle City Council Chief Executive Jeremy Bath said the $20 million project builds on the Council’s ongoing investment in the sportsground, with a vision to attract men’s and women’s domestic first-class cricket and Big Bash League matches, as well as high level AFL fixtures.

Bath advised “City of Newcastle is committed to the major redevelopment of No.1 Sportsground, which will transform the facility into a modern venue able to cater for the needs of local, regional and elite-level sporting fixtures.

“In 2022 we completed an $8 million refurbishment, which included major upgrades to the field of play, lighting and seating capacity.

“At that time we said government grants would be required to deliver the second stage of this development, which includes a two-storey addition at the rear of the existing grandstand to provide upgraded amenities for players, officials and spectators.

“We have been working with Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia for a number of years to develop this proposal to complete the facility’s transformation, with lighting, media and spectator upgrades that would make No.1 Sportsground a destination for top level sport across a range of codes, including cricket and AFL.”

Proposed improvements to No.1 Sportsground include:

• Enhanced player and match official amenity, including upgraded changerooms and new turf training pitches;

• Improved fan experiences, featuring new entry points, shaded seating and upgraded restrooms with enhanced accessibility for females and people with disabilities;

• Upgraded media and broadcast infrastructure, including enhanced lighting to meet the 1500 LUX standard required for live broadcast and streaming;

• Multipurpose spaces that would be utilised as community rooms outside of match days.

Cricket NSW Chief Executive, Lee Germon said securing a commitment from the Australian Government for the Newcastle project was one of its top national priorities ahead of the upcoming Federal Election.

Germon advised “the cricket community in Newcastle, along with the City of Newcastle, Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia, have identified the enormous benefits these improvements to Newcastle No.1 Sportsground would bring in inspiring everyone to play and love cricket.

“If the facilities for the players, fans and our broadcast partners are able to get to an acceptable level with a capacity up to 15,000 people, Newcastle No.1 could become a second home venue for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL.

“An upgraded Newcastle No.1 could also be utilised as a multi-sport, multi-purpose facility. Therefore, we call on the Federal candidates in Newcastle to commit their support ahead of the May 3 election.”

Image: Newcastle’s No.1 Sportsground.