Sporting groups welcome multi-million-dollar grandstand upgrade
Sports groups have welcomed plans to expand the grandstand at Wickham’s Passmore Oval in a $2.35million deal.
Construction of a major refurbishment of the facility is scheduled to begin this month, providing dedicated women’s changing rooms, improved access for the disabled and new community function areas.
It will comprise a state-of-the-art two-storey building, which will be constructed at the rear of the existing grandstand and will overlook both Passmore Oval and the adjacent Hawkins Oval.
The project is a collaboration between the City of Newcastle (CN) and Hamilton Hawks Rugby Union Club.
President Lesa Mason said the improvements would be a massive boost for the organization and the community, but especially for the growing number of young female athletes.
“In the purpose-built changing rooms, our junior and senior women’s teams will change into cars or wait their turn in the men’s changing rooms,” she explained.
“Participation rates in women’s rugby sevens and 15-on-15 are booming.
“So the timing of the development is excellent as Passmore Oval is at the heart of the rapidly expanding Wickham/West End growth corridor and player registrations at Hamilton Hawks reflect rapid growth nationally.
“Members of the public with mobility issues are also now catered for with accessible restroom facilities on both the ground floor, as well as new viewing areas and other amenities on the upper level accessible by elevator.
“We are very grateful to the City of Newcastle for their advice and support in bringing the development to fruition.”
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the extension and modernization of the grandstand would set an inclusive benchmark for Newcastle’s sporting facilities.
“The council is committed to making our city more livable and inclusive for everyone,” she said.
“This project will provide dedicated women’s dressing rooms to accommodate the growing number of women and girls playing rugby union and cricket in Newcastle.
“It will also ensure that spectator facilities meet the needs of all members of our community, with elevator access and amenities that enhance the comfort and experience for people with disabilities visiting the Wickham Park sports complex.”
Councilor Peta Winney-Baartz said the project is consistent with recommendations in CN’s Strategic Sports Plan for the wider Wickham Park district.
She added it would provide a great outcome for all of its user groups including the Hawks, Hamilton Wickham District Cricket Club and the Newcastle District Cricket Association.
“We worked with Hamilton Hawks Rugby Union Club to bring long-held ambitions for the modernization of this facility to life with a design by EJE Architecture that will ensure that both Passmore Oval and Hawkins Oval are enjoyed by all in our community can be,” she said.
The ground floor of the new building will house specially designed women’s dressing rooms for both the home and away teams, along with a shared practice and training area and storage facilities.
Facilities for people with disabilities will be integrated on both levels of the building, while an elevator ensures the facility’s accessibility.
The upper level will feature a common room, a kitchen area for food and drinks, and a balcony overlooking the Hawkins Oval.
The existing grandstand will also include a new community meeting room and wheelchair accessible spectator area overlooking the Passmore Oval.
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