Facilities that improve liveability – that’s the driving force behind Lake Macquarie City Council’s plan for up to $4.5 million worth of major upgrades for Croudace Bay Sports Complex, mayor Kay Fraser says.
The draft master plan for the sports complex is open for public feedback on council’s website until mid-February.
It focuses on upgrades for athletes who take part in the five sports that are played there – football, rugby league, tennis, cricket and netball, with extra playing surfaces, training facilities and new amenities on the cards.
The draft masterplan includes two new full-sized and junior grass sporting fields, an extra tennis court and an extra cricket practice net. It also proposes another netball court, because of the high popularity of the sport in Lake Macquarie.
New club buildings, including change rooms, improved lighting and an extra 60 car parking spaces – taking the total to 310 – are also part of the draft plan. The netball and tennis courts will be moved to another part of the park to allow space for the extra grass fields.
Valentine-Eleebana Football Club president Steve Screen said he expected the new change rooms for football and rugby league teams would be similar to the facilities at Warners Bay and would be “second to none”.
“Because the infrastructure for both soccer and rugby league was built in the 70s, they just don’t meet the community standards,” he said.
Cr Fraser said the plan was aimed at improving liveability for families in the city.
She said Section 94 contributions – the compulsory funds that developers pay to councils for infrastructure when they have a development approved – would pay for the overhaul.
“There’s a number of big ticket items there,” Cr Fraser said.
Community land planner for sports Steve Cowan said council had “worked extensively with local sporting clubs” to come up with the draft plan.
“The draft plan details new and improved sports field surfaces, sports courts and lighting as well as proposing new and refurbished amenity buildings to service the courts and fields for all sporting codes,” he said.
Last month, council’s community planning acting manager Wes Hain said the upgrades would enhance the range of sporting opportunities in Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
“The enhancement of the multi-functional sporting precinct at Croudace Bay will help us to nurture local talent as well as provide our community with numerous sport and recreational opportunities,” he said.
Visit shape.lakemac.com.au/master-plan to view the master plan before February 16.
Nick Bielby
Nick Bielby is a crime reporter who has been with the Newcastle Herald since 2017.
Nick Bielby is a crime reporter who has been with the Newcastle Herald since 2017.
