AusLeisure

The Hunter Sports Centre, kaiyu nungkiliko, is back on track to open its doors to the public in March 2025.

A preview of the $52 million expansion last week revealed a new three-storey building at the western end of the site, housing a fitness centre, creche, health food café and meeting rooms, while the Australian-first Trampoline Centre of Excellence east of the original building is also nearing completion.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said he was thrilled to see the expansion on schedule for a March opening despite a recent third-party industrial dispute.

The Hunter Sport Centre expansion began in May 2023, but a third-party pay dispute led to a delay in connecting the new facility’s electricity, pushing it back from its initial September 2024 completion.

Pleased to see the development on schedule again, Lake Macquarie City Mayor, Adam Shultz stated “while we were disappointed by the initial interruption, we’re pleased that an agreement has been reached, allowing us to resume work and complete this vital project.

“I would like to extend thanks to the Electrical Trades Union and Ausgrid for coming to a solution, as well as our contractor, Grindley Construction, and electrical contractor Tyden.

“They’ve successfully reprogrammed their schedule to ensure the facility will still be ready in March.

“Unfortunately, some Hunter Sports Centre programming between September and December was cancelled.

“But, we’re committed to delivering a world-class sporting facility that benefits the entire community.

“The expanded Hunter Sports Centre will significantly improve local infrastructure and inspire our next generation of athletes.”

However, Hunter Sports Centre General Manager Brendan Barrett said the electricity connection delays and consequent program cancellations had created “financial challenges”.

Barrett noted “we’re therefore actively seeking sponsorship opportunities to complement our upcoming sport and wellbeing offerings.”

Mayor Adam said Council would be asked to consider how it could provide the Hunter Sports Centre board with financial assistance to recover from the unexpected loss in revenue, adding “we are committed to delivering a world-class sporting facility that benefits the entire community.

"The expanded Hunter Sports Centre will significantly improve local sports infrastructure and inspire our next generation of athletes."

The expansion is funded by the Federal Government, NSW Government, Hunter Region Sports Centre Inc. and Lake Macquarie City Council.

Images show state member for Swansea MP Yasmin Catley, Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz and Hunter Sports Centre General Manager Brendan Barrett on site at the Hunter Sports Centre during last week’s preview visit.

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