Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison MP has welcomed today’s opening of the $10.5 million Maitland Regional Athletics Centre as a wonderful addition to the city’s sporting options that will benefit locals and encourage visitors to the city.
The project, which was jointly funded by the Restart NSW Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund and Maitland City Council, is located on the site of Maitland’s former No. 2 Sportsground and Smyth Field.
“I am so pleased that Maitland residents will now have a premier athletics centre right in the centre of our city,” Ms Aitchison said.
“With a 400m synthetic track and associated field facilities, plus an amenities building, spectator seating and enough car parking to service both the redeveloped No. 2 and current No. 1 sportsgrounds, we now have the top-class sporting infrastructure our athletes deserve.”
Ms Aitchison noted that the International Amateur Athletic Federation-certified synthetic track would enable the facility to host regional and state-level athletics meets.
“There will no doubt be substantial advantages for our economy, with high-level events attracting visitors from outside our area, showcasing all Maitland has to offer and boosting visitor spending,” Ms Aitchison said.
The Athletics Centre Project is the second stage of the Maitland Regional Sportsground precinct, which encompasses both the athletics facility and No.1 sportsground.
Ms Aitchison acknowledged the contribution of the former Member for Maitland, the Hon Robyn Parker MP, whose advocacy helped secure the Government’s commitment to helping fund the first stage of the project – an upgrade to the No. 1 Sportsground grandstand – which was first announced in 2014.
The third stage of the Maitland Regional Sportsground precinct works, which are expected to include even more parking, an outdoor fitness station and exercise path, and further upgrades to the No 1 Sportsground, are slated for completion in 2021.
