AusLeisure

Parramatta will have its first premier cricket facility and turf wicket following Council having secured a $6.2 million Australian Government grant to deliver stage 1 of the Belmore Park Masterplan recently.

The grant, combined with an additional $3.8 million funding by City of Parramatta, will fund several upgrades at Richie Benaud Oval, including the area's first and only turf wicket, three fenced synthetic practice wickets, a public amenity building, loop path, fencing, lighting and an electronic scoreboard.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Pierre Esber said the funding brings the community closer to the first bowl at a rejuvenated Richie Benaud Oval.

Lord Mayor Pierre Esber notes "Parramatta is growing, so we need the very best sporting facilities for our local community.

"We have a vision for Parramatta to become a global city and our mission is to create a premier cricket facility for our local cricketers to hone their skills and potentially become the next Richie Benaud.

"Once the Belmore Park Masterplan is complete in its entirety, it will become a game-changing sporting precinct with the addition of a rectangular multi-purpose sports field which can be used for rugby league, rugby union, oz tag, soccer and many more.

"We are excited to see stage 1 of the project come to fruition and acknowledge the Federal Government for their support of the project coming to life."

Federal Member for Parramatta, Dr Andrew Charlton, said the investment would help mould future sporting stars and added "Parramatta has given Australia some of our best cricketers and athletes.

"Despite this rich lineage, our city lacks high-quality recreational spaces and currently has no turf cricket facilities.

"We're finally delivering Parramatta's first turf wicket and premier cricket facility, helping secure the future of community sport in our local area."

The Belmore Park Masterplan is planned in three stages and will become a unique high-quality recreation destination for Parramatta.

Stage one of the Belmore Park Masterplan is expected to be completed in early 2027, weather permitting.

Image.cricket stumps credit: Hart Sport

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