Wallsend will soon be home to a new $1.5 million recreation facility, with construction on the city’s second ever Active Hub to commence in Federal Park next month.
Wallsend Active Hub will transform Federal Park into a vibrant hive of active recreation opportunities and follows the city’s first active hub which opened in Stockton in 2019. Federal Park is located beside Wallsend Swimming Centre and caters for organised and casual sporting activities.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that the concept plan for Wallsend Active Hub was received positively by the local community.
“Earlier this year, we asked the community to provide feedback into the concept plan for Wallsend Active Hub, and the response was overwhelmingly positive,’ Cr Nelmes said.
“With a new playspace featuring equipment for a variety of ages, pump track for bikes, scooters and skateboards, multi-sports courts allowing for basketball and futsal, rebound wall, climbing wall and fitness stations, Wallsend Active Hub is set to transform the Western Corridor’s active recreation scene.”
Ward 4 Councillor Matthew Byrne said that Wallsend Active Hub is set to attract visitors from across Newcastle and neighbouring areas, and will be a facility that all community members can enjoy.
“We heard that the community was eager to see additional shade incorporated into the plans, and in response we’ve added more shade shelters, as well as tree planting which will provide natural shade throughout the space,” Cr Byrne said.
“Wallsend Active Hub will cater for community members with accessibility requirements, with a new connecting pathway and an all-abilities spinning carousel in the playspace. A barbecue area and toilets will also be delivered as part of phase two in the future.
“Like the hugely popular Stockton Active Hub, I expect that once complete, Wallsend Active Hub will draw families from further afar who will hopefully then make a day by also shopping in the Wallsend CBD.”
Wallsend Active Hub is supported by a $500,000 grant of the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the Resources for Regions program is all about giving back to mining impacted communities and ensuring their prosperity well into the future.
“I’m incredibly proud of this program which, since 2012, has allocated $345 million to 149 projects that revitalise towns, improve vital infrastructure like our roads and community facilities and create positive social outcomes for mining communities,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The Wallsend Active Hub is exactly the type of project this program was designed to fund. I congratulate all those who have contributed to bringing it to life including the local community, who I hope will enjoy this space for many years to come.”
Phase one construction of the Wallsend Active Hub’s active recreation areas is scheduled for completion in July 2022.
Elsewhere in the Western Corridor, City of Newcastle has recently completed the installation of an additional two fitness stations at Fletcher’s Kurraka Reserve as well as completed a new playground at Wallsend Brickworks Park which includes an all-abilities carousel, boulder climb, nest swing, rope ladder, and a slide.
