The Clarke Grandstand at Merewether's Townson oval is set to receive a two million dollar upgrade in September.
The redevelopment will cater to both spectators and players, including new public amenities, a top-floor glass pavilion and a new gym.
Council will contribute $1.5 million to the project, with the remaining $500 000 coming from the Merewether Carlton Rugby Club.
Board member John Davis says the current facilities are in urgent need of an upgrade.
"At the moment, we're operating from the old pavilion, which is probably nearly ninety years old I think- it's in bad repair, it's small, it doesn't comply with regulations- it has all sorts of issues around its use," he says.
"So this alternative adaption of the Clarke Grandstand really addresses all of those issues in a very economic and rational way."
Mr Davis says the redevelopment will be appreciated by the whole community.
"It is a ground that is used intensely, both for rugby union, for rugby league, for cricket, so it certainly gets a lot of use," he says.
"There is no doubt that it will provide probably one of the best viewing situations for rugby in the Hunter Valley."
Mr Davis says the upgrade is a positive step forward for the club, with it being around fifty years since any revamps.
"We think it's the only sensible solution to the facilities on the ground and it's a very economic one as well," he says.
"By adapting the grandstand that currently exists we're saving a lot of money."
 |
| New plans for the grandstand. |
