Newcastle could be hosting elite-level cricket matches by the end of next year at No.1 Sportsground.
Council is now inviting tenders for a multi-million dollar redevelopment of the ground, with work expected to start in September.
The upgrade will see the size of the playing field increased, additional seating and improved lighting to cater for day-night fixtures.
Along with Big Bash style and Sheffield Shield cricket matches, it's hoped the upgrade will allow Newcastle to host pre-season AFL matches.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says the upgrade is a major investment in top-flight and grassroots sport in the city.
"No.1 Sportsground has not seen a significant redevelopment such as this since it was constructed in 1922. The upgrades include an upsized playing field, seven new cricket wickets, a new sight screen and an additional 390 new seats. Not only will our investment in this project attract top-class sporting codes, it will also benefit those playing at regional and grassroots levels who use No.1 Sportsground year-in, year-out," she said.
In March 2019, City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said council was willing to put "upwards of $2 million dollars" towards the project, with the balance of the projected $7 million project expected to be funded through contributions from the AFL, Cricket NSW and the Federal Government.
It's expected the upgrade will take up to 12 months to complete.
Plans to relocate clubs affected by the ground's closure throughout the 2020/21 summer and 2021 winter sporting seasons have already been prearranged.
Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon welcomed the upgrade and said it was a step in the right direction for both regional and high-level cricket codes.
"We have received advice from Council on their plans to upgrade the playing surface at No.1 Sportsground and are pleased they intend to upgrade it to a top tier standard," Mr Germon said.
Chairman of Newcastle District Cricket Association Paul Marjoribanks said the renovations would help meet the day-night scheduling demands of the modern cricket era.
"The proposed upgrades will provide significant benefits to both local and regional cricket and also give Newcastle the opportunity to again host first-class cricket matches. In particular the upgrades to the lighting will allow cricket to be played at night - which will also bring it into line with modern-day cricket scheduling," he said.
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| Upgrade to Newcastle No.1 Sportsground due to start in September Picture: placestogo.net.au |
