Maitland Regional Sports Complex redevelopment
A four stage upgrade plan, which started in 2014, set in motion a wholesale transformation of the precinct in Central Maitland that will give the city a sporting and recreational facility that can cater for a growing community now, and into the future.
It includes a new lease on life for Maitland Sportsground, construction of a state of the art Athletics Centre, further upgrades to amenities across both new facilities, and a transformation of Harold Gregson Park.
Stage one of the works was an upgrade to Maitland Sportsground is an icon of the city and has a rich history, spanning more than 80 years. It's been home to many memorable sporting achievements and community milestones over the years: grand final wins, significant local events and countless school athletics carnivals.
In 2017, the grandstand was upgraded to give the facility a new lease of life and ensure it remains a symbol of Maitland's future. The project saw the demolition of the old grandstands and the construction of a 1,100 seat grandstand that has improved access and a significantly enhanced view of the playing field.
The facility also features new change rooms, public amenities and a canteen that will cater for a range of sporting and community events for years to come.
These works were completed and opened to the public in May 2017.
Stage two of the Maitland Regional Sports Complex project, the Maitland Regional Athletics Centre was built on the site of the old No.2 Sportsgrounds and Smyth Field, where an existing 400m running track and small amenities/storage sheds were previously.
The redevelopment works included the construction of a 400m synthetic track and associated field facilities, an amenities building, spectator seating and car parking, which will service both the new facility and Maitland Regional Sportsground.
This was a $10.5 million project, joint funded by Council and Restart NSW Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund.
These works were completed and opened to the public in October 2020.
Stage three of works at Maitland Regional Sports Complex have been ongoing since late 2020, enabling a number of different codes to use the site, support the regular hosting of national standard matches and major events, promote increased participation in sport, and bring regional social and economic benefits.
A brand new scoreboard is the highlight of these works, an 8.6m x 3.8m LED screen will help bring spectators closer to the game than ever.
Other upgrades include improvements to the field irrigation system, additional drainage, and a new, accessible footpath. A brand new amenities building on the north side of the Complex will serve both the Sportsground and Athletics Centre.
Also included in these works was an upgrade to floodlighting at the Sportsground, which will allow the facility to better accommodate night time matches of all codes. More than 150 new car parks have also been installed on the site, a public path/exercise circuit around the circumference of the facility, and an accessible access upgrade from public transport to the facility.
This stage was an $8.5 million project, co-funded by the NSW Government's Regional Growth Fund ($5.2 million) and Council ($3.3 million).
These works got underway in late 2020 and are expected to finish mid 2023.
The fourth and final stage of the Maitland Regional Sports Complex upgrades are coming in 2023, proudly funded by the NSW Government.
A brand new playspace, full sized basketball and multipurpose court, parkour equipment, and an upgraded skate park on the way to Harold Gregson Reserve.
An events lawn and amphitheatre, an amenities block, large picnic shelter, RV parking, public electric vehicle charging and new parking and shade for the existing offroad remote control track are among the other features on the way thanks to the $7 million project.There will also be a new space designed for young people to connect, play and be active.
Positive environmental outcomes are a priority of these works, with the planting of large legacy trees like figs to provide deep shade and improve canopy cover, mitigating urgan heat, in the area for generations to come.
Works are set to be complete in June 2023, you can find the latest media release here.
