On Friday, the state government announced a $14 million investment in the new Newcastle Arena.
The project is part of a plan to redevelop the area around McDonald Jones Stadium, which will see the arena replace the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, built more than three decades ago with an originally intended lifespan of five years. The existing entertainment centre has capacity for just over 7,500 attendees and can host exhibitions across 4,500m2 of space.
Th new arena is expected to deliver a $400 million economic injection into Newcastle over the next decade.
“The existing entertainment centre reached its end-of-life decades ago,” said the NSW tourism minister, Steve Kamper.
“This investment unlocks the next chapter for Newcastle.
“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.”
The state’s minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley, called the investment “the first piece of the puzzle in transforming Broadmeadow into a world-class sport, entertainment and lifestyle precinct”.
There is an intention to open up the precinct for hotel development, with tweaks to existing laws proposed late last year to make this possible. An outdoor plaza that can host events is also part of the plans.
In recent years, several developments in Newcastle have made the destination more attractive as a host for business events, including the opening of five-star hotels including Crystalbrook Kingsley and QT Newcastle, in addition to upgrades at the airport.
