Plan for $1.5 million sports play hub in Wallsend now open for community feedback

Construction of a $1.5 million active hub in Wallsend is expected to get underway mid-year, with the concept design for the project now open for community feedback.

The active hub, which draws its inspiration from a similar design in Stockton, will provide a variety of recreation facilities in Federal Park which is central to schools, sporting fields and the Wallsend Swimming Pool.

Under the plans, Federal Park will be transformed into a vibrant hub of activity with features including an expanded playspace, bike track, multi-sport courts, rebound wall, climbing wall and fitness stations.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that the planned active hub is expected to draw visitors from Wallsend and further afar.

“City of Newcastle identified the need to provide additional active recreation spaces in Wallsend in order to address the need for non-formal sporting facilities in the city’s Western Corridor.

“Wallsend Active Hub will become an asset for Newcastle’s western suburbs and is expected to attract families from outside the area who will enjoy the mix of informal recreational spaces.

“I’m pleased to invite our community to view what’s planned for Wallsend Active Hub and have their say.”

President of Wallsend Athletics Club Lee Grant is pleased to have the opportunity to provide input to the new facility at Federal Park where the athletics club is based.

“Our club is really excited to see what’s planned for Wallsend Active Hub which will be conveniently located near our home base. I have no doubt the broader Wallsend community will make great use of the proposed recreational facilities and can’t wait to see the plans come to fruition.”

The concept design is open for comment until Monday 1 March 2021. Feedback can be provided online at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay or in person at a drop-in session at Wallsend Village between 10am and 1pm on Thursday 18 February 2021.

Community feedback will inform the development of a detailed design for the active hub, with construction due to begin mid-2021.

Wallsend Active Hub is supported by a $500,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program.