Newcastle’s Darling Street Oval to have grandstand and amenities upgraded

The City of Newcastle has advised construction is to commence on major redevelopments at Hamilton South’s Darling Street Oval.

The redevelopment will feature female-friendly changerooms, a new grandstand seating more than 300 football fans, improved disability access, a new community space as well as the refurbishment of existing amenities and a new formal off-street carpark.

The $3 million project, funded by City of Newcastle, Newcastle Olympic Football Club (NOFC) and the State and Federal Governments, is set to become an inclusive and fully accessible football facility for passionate spectators and home and away players alike.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the grandstand upgrade, which is expected to be completed by December 2023, will ensure every footballer and spectator feels welcome and supported.

Lord Mayor Nelmes notes "City of Newcastle is committed to investing in inclusive facilities and elevating women in sport. Female participation is growing at a rapid pace, both at a grassroots and senior level, and this demand will reach new heights following the FIFA Women’s World Cup being hosted on home soil.

"This project will deliver a facility for the entire community. With accessible parking spaces, new shared footpaths, lift access and amenities for people with a disability, Darling Street Oval will be able to meet the needs of all its members.”

Newcastle Olympic First Grade women’s captain Laura Hall said the upgrade would be incredibly beneficial given the growing participation of girls and women in football.

Hall added “In just three short years, Newcastle Olympic Women's Program has grown to over 150 female players and coaches. With the Women's World Cup about to start, that number will only continue to increase.

“We are grateful to City of Newcastle, State and Federal Governments and to our club for their contributions and more importantly their support for women’s football. The new female-friendly facilities are most welcome and will have an invaluable impact on our players and those of our visiting teams.”

Image (from left) Newcastle Olympic FC Director of Marketing Kosta Patsan, Newcastle Olympic President George Sofianos, Councillor Carol Duncan, Tim Crakanthorp MP, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Sharon Claydon MP with Newcastle Olympic players Jemma House and Laura Hall with junior Newcastle Olympic FC supporters. Credit: City of Newcastle