Verge and Eden Street Sporting Complex secures $10 million funding

Kempsey Shire Council has secured a $10 million NSW Government grant for the Verge and Eden Street Sporting Complex to deliver better sporting facilities and a capacity to host larger events.

Macleay sporting clubs and community members have pushed for improved sporting facilities in Kempsey with nearly two decades of discussions and pleas.

NSW Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey told the Macleay Argus early in 2019 that she would commit $10 million to the Verge Street Fields Project if she was re-elected. Minister Pavey has been a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly since 2015, representing the seat of Oxley for The Nationals.

In February 2019, the Macleay Argus reported that Minister Pavey announced "I have spoken with the Macleay sporting clubs and community members and I know how necessary this upgrade is. This project is one of the largest investments in sport and recreation infrastructure within the Macleay Valley. It will enable more sporting events to be held across the complex and will provide a significant boost to the local economy."

The successful grant application was accepted at today’s Council meeting with the confirmation of funding an endorsement for the continued advocacy by local sporting groups for better facilities and support from Council.

Kempsey Shire Council’s Director Operations and Planning, Robert Fish, said accepting this grant in accordance with the Verge and Eden Street Sporting Complex Masterplan, would provide a facility with great community benefits.

Fish advised “it’s great news as this funding will assist Council in redeveloping the complex and increase opportunities for the various clubs who currently utilise the fields. These include cricket, soccer, netball, rugby league and rugby union.

“Bringing facilities up to a higher standard will cater for the changing needs of sport users, provide quality fields, enable multi-use sports to be played and increase participation and development in current and future sports.”

Key improvements under the Verge and Eden Street Sporting Complex Masterplan include:

• Reconfiguration of existing fields (including new turf wicket for cricket)

• Refurbishment of the existing grandstand

• Provision of three grass surface netball courts and 10 hard surface courts

• New purpose-built clubhouse incorporating amenities and change rooms

• New lighting to competition standard on all fields, netball courts and ancillary areas

• Recreation facilities including perimeter running path and fitness stations

• Field irrigation, drainage and resurfacing

• Expansion of car parking

Minister Pavey said the NSW Government’s $10 million to the Verge Street fields project will see a redevelopment of the entire site noting “the Verge Street sporting fields in Central Kempsey are an essential part of Macleay Valley history; generations of footballers, cricketers and netballers as well as other sporting codes have competed with local and regional teams at the fields.

“While ideally located, with ample parking, excellent grass-cover and free-draining soils, the time has come for the Verge Street fields to receive a major upgrade, and encourage further participation in sport and recreation.

“This project is one of the largest investments in sport and recreation infrastructure within the Macleay Valley. It will enable more sporting events to be held across the complex and will provide a significant boost to the local economy.”

Image of Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey,  Mayor Liz Campbell and Council’s General Manager Craig Milburn at the Verge and Eden Street playing fields