National Park transformation to expand Newcastle’s green space

The City of Newcastle has proposed for an underutilised section of National Park to be transformed into open green space - activating an area in one of the city's largest and oldest sport and recreation precincts.

National Park is an essential green space in the heart of the city that is valued by the community for both its passive and active recreation.

Community members are being invited to provide feedback on a draft plan for the space, which sits at the northwest corner of Newcastle's largest recreational reserve.

The proposed improvements will open up the space for passive recreation opportunities with new grassed areas, shaded seating and bubblers, as well as bike racks, public toilet amenities, additional trees and a footpath through the park connecting Smith Street to Parry Street and the adjacent basketball courts.

A disused building on the site known as Wal Young House, which has been vacant for many years and is no longer fit for use, will be removed as part of the project before the land is remediated and re-turfed.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy notes "the remediation of the Wal Young House site will provide safe public access to the northwest corner of National Park, opening up this area for informal activities while delivering new amenities to enhance the community's use of the surrounding park and sporting facilities.

"The proposed upgrades will be a valuable addition to what is already on offer in the park precinct and create a safer, more welcoming environment in the heart of our city."

The demolition of the disused building, scheduled to commence this month, will also provide opportunity for a separate future project to improve traffic management and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists at the intersection of National Park and Parry streets.

To view the Draft Landscape and Park Improvement Plan and complete the online survey visit haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/national-park-improvements by 5pm on 2nd December.