The new vision for Hamilton’s historic Gregson Park has been unveiled, incorporating new updated designs alongside existing heritage elements.
Feedback from the surrounding community in 2020 helped the City of Newcastle shape the look and feel of the park.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said they asked the community to highlight their favourite features about the park as well as their aspirations, memories, and things they would change.
“The valuable feedback we received has informed a master plan for the renewal of Gregson Park that ensures the community’s needs and wants are reflected in future improvements,” Cr Nelmes said.
“We heard that the community wants to see the incorporation of Aboriginal culture, more planting of native species, an upgrade of amenities, improvements to the play space, creation of spaces for the community to come together, and the retention of the existing heritage elements and much-loved fig trees. ”
Gregson Park will showcase three key components including a new play space, a community hub on the former bowling green and a multi-sports activity hub.
Upgrades will also include more shaded seating areas, the potential for community gardens and a kiosk, resurfaced tennis courts, additional active recreation facilities and upgraded amenities.
Additionally, realignment of some pathways will be included as well as a stormwater retention tank and the removal of the glasshouse building subject to heritage assessment.
The park boasts a large space for hosting events, markets and festivals with close connections to the popular eat street and business district on Beaumont Street.
History writer Ruth Cotton said the inner-city park was full of history and was excited about the new plans.
“Gregson Park continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Novocastrians, and I’m really pleased that the heritage of the park will be retained into the future,” Cotton said.
“I have no doubt that as the plans come to fruition, Gregson Park will remain a historic gem that continues to pay homage to its past.”
The master plan for the site is intended to be implemented across a 10-year period. It includes short-term and long-term priorities.
Short-term priorities for implementation within five years include the play space, realigned paths, plantings and community shelter.
Work on the play space featuring nature play, water play and a small yarning circle, will begin next year.
Long-term priorities include the active recreation area, community gardens and stormwater retention tank.
For more information visit the City of Newcastle’s website.
Information source: Media release, City of Newcastle