Expansion of Broadmeadow Precinct Could Include Hamilton North Gasworks Site

22 August 2024

Hamilton Gasworks

Newcastle Labor Councillors Push for Broader Government Landholdings

Newcastle’s Labor Councillors are advocating for the acquisition of the former Hamilton North Gasworks site to be included in the Broadmeadow redevelopment plans. This move comes amid reports that the 7.4-hectare site, currently owned by gas operator Jemena, is up for sale. The site has undergone remediation to a commercial-industrial standard, making it a prime candidate for integration into the ongoing urban renewal project at Broadmeadow.

The Broadmeadow Place Strategy, developed in partnership with the NSW Government and City of Newcastle, is one of Australia’s most ambitious urban redevelopment projects. The plan envisions 20,000 new homes accommodating up to 60,000 residents. The first stage targets the construction of 3,200 new homes over the next five years, requiring the relocation of key facilities like the entertainment centre and basketball courts to unlock prime areas for housing and mixed-use developments.

The push to include the gasworks site in the redevelopment aligns with this broader vision. By bringing this land under government control, it would open up more options for the placement of vital community facilities like the Newcastle Basketball Centre and PCYC, which have struggled to secure suitable locations within the existing Broadmeadow precinct. Current plans have faced obstacles, including a proposal to relocate the Hunter Indoor Sports Facility to Wallarah Oval, which has raised community concerns due to potential impacts on local sports fields.

Facebook comments from members of the Save Our Lambton Ovals group highlight the sentiment that councillors only began addressing the issue due to election pressure. Jacqui Rosewood and others criticised the timing, noting that prior concerns were dismissed. The community remains determined to continue pressuring for better solutions while expressing dissatisfaction with both the council and Newcastle Basketball’s handling of the situation.

This comes after a recent protest at Lambton ovals where Labor councillors did not attend and residents were vocal about the effects a new basketball stadium would have on their community, with some calling for a change this election.

Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz believes their proposed approach serves Newcastle’s diverse needs, particularly in enhancing recreational spaces: “We’re committed to supporting a high-quality indoor sports facility that caters to all ages and levels. Acquiring the gasworks site could enable these developments without impacting existing sports fields, providing a win-win for our city.”

Similarly, Councillor Margaret Wood points to the gasworks acquisition as key to fast-tracking Broadmeadow’s redevelopment: “Our city urgently needs more housing. Incorporating the Jemena site into the Broadmeadow strategy aligns with our vision of preserving community assets while facilitating urban growth.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes echoes this sentiment, describing the gasworks site as a “positive opportunity” that could deliver much-needed community amenities and free up land for additional housing.

Historical Context: Hamilton North Gasworks

The Hamilton North Gasworks site has a storied history dating back to the late 19th century when it was a key energy hub for Newcastle. Established in 1889, the facility produced coal gas for street lighting, domestic use, and industrial purposes for much of the 20th century. By the 1980s, with natural gas becoming more widespread, the plant was decommissioned, leaving behind a legacy of contamination. Over the years, extensive remediation work has been undertaken, making the site viable for commercial or industrial purposes, although it remains underutilised.