Belmont Sports Fields Score Big with $14 Million Upgrade

A $14 million upgrade has been completed at Belmont’s major sporting complex, delivering a major boost to facilities for rugby league, cricket, netball and baseball clubs – and setting the stage for the precinct to become a regional sports hub.

The upgrade marks the first stage of the Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan, which aims to transform the site into Lake Macquarie’s premier venue for team sports and regional competitions.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the project had dramatically improved infrastructure across the precinct, which includes Barton Field, Lumsden Oval and the Molly Smith Netball Courts.

“The Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan seeks to capitalise on Council’s largest sports precinct to develop a facility suitable for local sporting groups and regional-level competitions,” Cr Shultz said.

“To help realise the vision we have for this facility, we need the support of the Federal and NSW Governments. Collaboration between all three levels of government is the best path to successfully deliver the quality sporting infrastructure we need in this city.”

Improvements include four new rectangular fields, a baseball diamond, turf and synthetic cricket wickets, upgraded irrigation systems, flood lights, fencing, and realigned grounds. Two new multipurpose amenities buildings have been constructed, and 14 netball courts have been resurfaced with new lighting, line marking and goal posts.

Mayor Shultz said the new facilities could now support larger events and broader participation.

“This upgrade means our local rugby league, cricket, baseball and netball clubs will benefit from modern, fit-for-purpose infrastructure. And with the improvements made, the site could also cater for sports like soccer, rugby union and touch football into the future,” he said.

The upgraded Barton Field amenities building was officially handed over to clubs on Thursday, 21 March, with Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley and Federal Member for Shortland Pat Conroy joining Cr Shultz on site.

Ms Catley said the new facilities were especially beneficial for growing female participation in sport.

“I know that Lakes United cannot wait to access the new fields, and with the women’s game only continuing to grow, modern amenities are a necessity,” she said.

“I am proud to have helped secure $6.2 million in NSW Government funding for this project and the netball courts and look forward to supporting the project to completion.”

Mr Conroy echoed the community value of the upgrades.

“Local sporting clubs raised the state of the fields with me, and I am pleased that the Commonwealth Government has delivered $1.4 million towards these important improvements,” he said.

“As a dad, I’m looking forward to using the new fields with my kids. They’re a fantastic asset that the whole community can enjoy.”

Lake Macquarie City Council has flagged a possible name change for the precinct to reflect its new status as a regionally significant sporting destination. A local researcher is also developing a history project about the site, to be featured on the Lake Mac History website.

The $14 million sports fields upgrade was funded by $1.4 million from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, $4.7 million from the NSW Government, and $5 million from Council.

The $3 million netball court upgrade was jointly funded by $1.5 million from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund and $1.5 million from Council.

Future stages of the master plan are expected to cost around $25 million. Council is now seeking additional State and Federal Government support to deliver the following:

Stage 2a – $4.6 million: design work, field improvements and car park upgrades at Barton Field

Stage 2b – $10 million: new lighting, a grandstand, seating, and amenities at Barton Field, plus Maude Street entrance upgrades

Stage 3a – $8.2 million: cricket nets, a new baseball diamond, and parking at Les Miller Field

Stage 3b – $2.2 million: new lighting at Les Miller Field

The upgrades are part of a broader vision to ensure Lake Macquarie is ready to host major sporting events and foster local talent for years to come.