Lake Macquarie City Council has opened expressions of interest (EOI) for the $16 million Hunter Sports Centre upgrade construction tender, to transform the centre into an expanded sports and community hub.
The upgrades, expected to be completed in late 2024, will enable the centre to host national and international events and help foster the development of the Hunter Region’s future sports stars.
The upgrades are set to include expanding the sports and community facility with improved access and parking, a new athlete testing facility, and the New South Wales Trampoline Centre of Excellence.
Lake Macquarie City Council Mayor, Kay Fraser, said the expanded facility will be a significant economic driver for the city.
“Expansion of the Hunter Sports Centre will boost our regional economy by upwards of $16 million, creating about 100 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase alone,” Mayor Fraser said.
“With the ability to host national and international-level events, we expect the upgraded facility to attract an extra 260,000 visitors to Lake Macquarie each year.”
The Federal Government has committed $10 million to the project through the Building Better Regions Fund, and $1.51 million through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
The New South Wales Government has committed $1 million through the Regional Sport Facility Fund, and $12.5 million from its Centre of Excellence Fund towards the New South Wales Trampoline Centre for Excellence – Australia’s only dedicated Trampoline Centre of Excellence.
Council will contribute the remaining funds through development contributions and other funding sources.
