State Government commits $15 million to finalise Newcastle Arena design at Broadmeadow

Newy 87.8 FM – The State Government has announced it will commit almost $15 million towards finalising the design of a new entertainment and conference centre at Broadmeadow.

The funding was the key plank of City of Newcastle's NSW Pre-budget Submission shared with the Treasurer and local State MPs in February this year.

Known as Newcastle Arena, the 12,000 seat facility will be located immediately north of McDonald Jones Stadium in an area already zoned for a multipurpose indoor arena. The $499 million arena is forecast to entertain more than 640,000 people and generate almost $41 million annually for the local economy.

The venue will be designed to host international entertainment acts and provide a home to professional basketball and netball franchises playing in national competitions.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath thanked Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley for championing the project for the past three years and securing the funds to get Newcastle Arena to the shovel ready stage.

Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the existing Newcastle Entertainment Centre was built 34 years ago and was only intended to operate for five years, with its condition now costing the local economy more than $20 million annually in missed events.

Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said the detailed design is likely to take 12 months, and if both the Government and Opposition commit to build the arena before the State Election in March next year, the existing entertainment centre could be demolished by 2029. The demolition will not include the showground ring or grandstands, which are local heritage items.

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