DILAPIDATED and unused netball courts will be transformed into new sports fields and a cricket wicket as part of a three-stage plan.
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All that's needed now is the funds to make it happen.
It's another notch in Tamworth Regional Council's (TRC) belt as it works to define the city as a regional centre of sporting excellence.
The development would pay itself off in no time with the ability to build on huge sports events like the National Primary Games, Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS) chief executive James Cooper said.
"Transforming that space into a multi-use facility allows for greater capacity with local sports competitions but at the bigger end of town the economic impact comes from the capacity to host larger scale events," he said.
"The council aren't shy in making it clear that this is a northern-inland centre of excellence, we can attract the elite standard of events with even NRL games being hosted in the town.
"We can have a space down there far more full of colour which brings a culture and atmosphere to community support."
The council voted on Tuesday night to adopt stage one of the Tamworth Turf Precinct Masterplan; a three-stage approach to develop sports fields as part of the broader plan to grow the city's population to 100,000 by 2041.
The three stages of development include the old netball courts at Carter Street, Marius Street and Locks Lane, with the first stage of development triggered at a population of 70,000.
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TRC sports development officer Sam Eriksson said the project hinges on state and federal government support.
"The project is unfunded at this stage, we will be seeking funding," he said.
"We have identified that these two fields and turf cricket wicket would be required for a population of 70,000, so the council is planning to meet the future needs of the community.
"We are acutely aware that we need and want to have plans like this adopted and endorsed so as soon as funds become available we are ready to go."
Construction has been costed at $243,703.
The motion was supported by all councillors including Russell Webb who was impressed with the relatively cheap price tag.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
