newy.com.au – Newcastle is set to get a new 12,000-capacity arena, the NSW government is committing $14 million to progress planning for a replacement entertainment centre at Broadmeadow.
The proposed Newcastle Arena would be built next to McDonald Jones Stadium, shifting the city’s major indoor venue into a growing sport, entertainment and lifestyle precinct that already includes the Newcastle Knights Centre of Excellence and the Newcastle International Hockey Centre.
The government says the new venue could attract up to 160 events to the Hunter each year, including concerts, major events and elite sport, while unlocking further redevelopment around Broadmeadow.
The current Newcastle Entertainment Centre was built 33 years ago as a temporary structure intended to operate for only five years. Its replacement is being positioned as the first major step in a broader plan for the precinct, including future hotel, commercial and residential development.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the funding marked the start of a major transformation for Broadmeadow.
“This is the first piece of the puzzle in transforming Broadmeadow into a world-class sport, entertainment and lifestyle precinct,” Ms Catley said.
“For too long, Newcastle has had the talent, the fans and the energy – but not the venue to match. That starts to change today.
“This is a major vote of confidence in Newcastle and the Hunter. It means more concerts, more visitors, more jobs and more to love about our region.”
The government says the arena is expected to generate an additional $400 million in economic benefit over its first decade, drive a near tenfold increase in interstate visitors to events and create 610 jobs during construction. It says the completed precinct would support 133 additional jobs locally and 157 across the NSW region.
The project is also being linked to the Broadmeadow Placemaking Strategy, the Hunter Regional Plan 2036 and the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036. The wider redevelopment is intended to deliver more housing and green space, better transport connections, accessible walking and cycling links, and a new outdoor plaza for events and live site activations.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the existing venue had outlived its intended lifespan.
“The existing entertainment centre reached its end-of-life decades ago. This investment unlocks the next chapter for Newcastle,” Mr Kamper said.
“A new world‑class arena will give the Hunter the facilities it deserves and the pulling power to attract major events, international artists and elite sport all year round.
“This is a once-in-a-generation moment to finally deliver the sporting and entertainment infrastructure Newcastle and the Hunter deserves.”
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the existing entertainment centre had hosted major Australian and international performers over the years, including Kylie Minogue, John Farnham and Taylor Swift.
“Newcastle is NSW’ second largest city, we not only deserve but need a world-class entertainment centre and precinct, and this Government is committed to delivering that,” Mr Crakanthorp said.
Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison described the investment as a gamechanger for the region, while Duty MLC for Upper Hunter and Lake Macquarie Emily Suvaal said the arena would bring benefits to communities across the Hunter and Lake Macquarie.
Australian boxer Nikita Tszyu also backed the proposal, saying he would welcome the chance to fight at the venue.
“Fighting at the new arena would be a huge honour, and I’d love the opportunity to help open the venue with its first major event.
“Some of my best memories have come from here in Tszyu-castle, and a new world-class arena would be a game-changer for boxing and major events in the Hunter.”
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