The refined Masterplan for Gregson Park has been approved, ensuring much-needed improvements and a bright future for the historic Hamilton park.
At last night’s Ordinary Council meeting the Gregson Park Masterplan and Heritage Places Plan of Management for Gregson Park were officially adopted.
During a six-week public exhibition period, community members outlined their favourite things about the park and what needed to be kept, removed or changed.
The draft masterplan was refined in response to the community feedback, which saw the addition of bike racks, bubblers, reorientation of the half-court basketball court, relocation of the bat ball wall and improved seating in the southwestern corner of the park.
City of Newcastle Acting Director City Wide Services Lynn Duffy said the community’s feedback was integral in developing the refined and final masterplan.
“We know our community values Gregson Park’s rich history and what it offers as a recreational space, which is why this masterplan was developed with the community in mind,” Duffy said.
“The masterplan will ensure we respect the heritage significance of Gregson Park through the retention and enhancement of the existing historical elements, as well as incorporate indigenous culture into future improvements.
“City of Newcastle will invest $8 million into Gregson Park over the next decade by implementing short- and long-term priorities included in the masterplan.”
The Heritage Places Plan of Management was also considered and approved, including retaining and enhancing the popular tennis clubhouse. A Tennis Strategy will soon be developed to provide further insight into tennis facilities across Newcastle.
History writer Ruth Cotton said the inner-city park was full of history, and it was important to retain those features for future generations.
“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.”
Short-term priorities for the park include the new larger play space, basketball half-court and bat ball wall, realigned paths, plantings, community shelter, enhanced park entries and upgraded amenities with disabled access and facilities.
Long-term priorities include additional tree planting, accessible pathways, a potential new kiosk, community gardens and a stormwater retention tank.
Meanwhile, Newcastle Labor councillors have pledged to provide an all-inclusive playground in Gregson Park’s existing playground if re-elected in the local government elections on December 4.
The larger playground would include nature play, water play, and a small yarning circle expanded to the north-east of its existing footprint.
Ward 2 Labor councillor Carol Duncan said the construction of a new and expanded adventure playground would be fantastic for locals and visitors.
“The playground at Gregson Park has served our community well over time, but it’s time to breathe new life into this fantastic space for Hamilton locals and visitors, and Labor will deliver this as a priority during the next term of council,” Cr Duncan said.
“Our vision for the expanded playground under the Gregson Park Masterplan is to provide a more inclusive and adventurous playground to cater for kids of all ages, with a new and more modern style adventure play space, including the inclusion of popular water play elements.”
“We’ll also retain and refurbish the popular barbecue area and provide additional picnic settings and barbecues because of their immense popularity for family and community gatherings at the Gregson Park.”
For more information visit the City of Newcastle website.
Hayley McMahon