An artist’s impression of Newcastle Arena, which is expected to drive a tenfold increase in interstate visitors. Image: NSW Government.
The Minns NSW Government has committed $14 million to unlock the next stage of planning for the Newcastle Arena, which promises to be a world-class facility.
Plans include a 12,000-person-capacity entertainment centre, which will create an indoor arena suitable for up to 160 new events in the Hunter Valley.
Newcastle’s current Entertainment Centre is 33 years old and was intended as a temporary structure to operate for just five years. Its replacement will be relocated next to McDonald Jones Stadium to create a sports, lifestyle and entertainment precinct.
The first step in unlocking the precinct for future commercial, residential and hotel development is relocating the arena to this location next to the stadium, which is already home to the Newcastle Knights Centre of Excellence and the Newcastle International Hockey Centre.
“For too long, Newcastle has had the talent, the fans and the energy — but not the venue to match. That starts to change today,” Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said.
“This is a major vote of confidence in Newcastle and the Hunter. It means more concerts, more visitors, more jobs and more to love about our region.”
This development, along with the opening of Newcastle’s International Airport, positions the city as a rapidly evolving draw for the visitor economy, creating employment, boosting local businesses and bringing the Hunter to the world.
Part of the State Government’s strategy to grow tourism in NSW’s regions is to bring major events to these areas, particularly at hubs such as Newcastle.
Some 610 construction jobs will be created during the project, with 133 additional roles to be added by the precinct and 157 to the region overall.
The arena is expected to inject $400 million in economic benefits over the next decade, driving a tenfold increase in interstate visitors to events.
State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said: “The Newcastle Entertainment Centre has welcomed the likes of Kylie Minogue, John Farnham and even Taylor Swift to its stage, as well as many more. That legacy will live on in the new Newcastle Arena, set to bring 160 performances each year.
“Newcastle is NSW’s second-largest city. We not only deserve but need a world-class entertainment centre and precinct, and this government is committed to delivering that.”
Newcastle’s new arena will also be the catalyst for the Broadmeadow Placemaking Strategy and will align with the Hunter Regional Plan 2036 and the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036.
More housing and green space are priorities of the broader redevelopment plan, as are improved transport, accessible walking and cycle paths and an outdoor plaza for events.
