Lake Macquarie City Council approves plans for 30,000-seat concert venue

Plans to set up a 30,000-seat concert and event venue in Morisset on the NSW Central Coast, has been approved by the Lake Macquarie City Council.

Councillors voted unanimously this week to approve Winarch Capital’s development application for the Cedar Mill event site on the former Morisset Country Club golf course.

Central to Cedar Mill’s multi-million-dollar redevelopment is an entertainment facility that will be capable of hosting a range of events, markets and functions, with capacity to stage outdoor performances for audiences of up to 30,000.

Located on the NSW Central Coast halfway between Newcastle and Gosford, and just off the Sydney-Newcastle Freeway, the development application for the event site is central to Cedar Mill’s redevelopment of the golf course, which also includes a tourist park, outdoor gardens, café, restaurant, splash park and other recreation areas.

Advising that the development will have major economic consequences and increase the profile of fast growing area as an entertainment and tourism destination, Lake Macquarie Mayor, Kay Fraser stated “it will create jobs in the area and generate significant flow-on benefits for local tourism operators, hospitality vendors, equipment providers and other businesses that support and supply the event industry.

“It will boost the night-time economy and provide much-needed new social and recreational amenities for the people of Morisset and surrounding communities.” Mayor Fraser said the Cedar Mill facility would help achieve desired growth and development outcomes for Morisset outlined in both Council’s strategic plans and the Draft Hunter Regional Plan 2041, which identifies the town as a ‘Regionally Significant Growth Area’.

She added “Morisset is growing quickly already; investors and families have discovered the area’s attributes and are making the choice to relocate there. We have engaged the University of Newcastle to undertake a Resilience and Growth Study for Morisset and the South West Precinct to ensure that growth is sustainable and addresses the needs of the community.”

The Council’s long-term plan identifies the town as a ‘Regionally Significant Growth Area’ which is attracting investors and young families.

The University of Newcastle was engaged to undertake a Resilience and Growth Study for Morisset and the South West Precinct to ensure that growth is sustainable and addresses the needs of the community.

Winarch Capital Managing Director, Paul Lambess welcomed Council’s decision, commenting “we are proud of the work we have put in to get Cedar Mill Lake Macquarie to this point.

“This project represents an enormous opportunity for the south-western corridor of Lake Macquarie and we appreciate the collaborative and progressive approach that Lake Macquarie City Council has taken in recognising that opportunity to create jobs and help Morisset reach its potential.”

Cedar Mill Group also has plans for a 22,000-person outdoor concert venue in the Hunter Valley.

Both venues aim to draw international superstars and major Australian entertainment names.

Image: Artist impression of concert venue.