The New Town Sporting Precinct has been a vital community asset for more than a century but now it needs some love.
The precinct is home to netball, football, cricket, cycling, croquet, and bowls, hosting more than 300 000 participants each year.
However, this much-loved area is now in need of an urgent upgrade.
The City of Hobart has endorsed the New Town Sporting Precinct Master Plan, an ambitious $60 million staged project to build more netball courts, and update changerooms, car parking and other amenities.
The aging facility is having a negative impact on both elite and community sports.
Hobart Wheelers / Dirt Devils Cycling Club president Justin McMullen said the track needs urgent attention.
"We've had, unfortunately, some national coaches not send their athletes to some of our events as a result of our facilities," Mr McMullen said.
Southern Tasmanian Netball Association general manager Ben Jones said his organisation was bursting at the seams.
"Since 2019 we've had about a 35 per cent increase in junior participation and that's placed enormous pressure on all of our courts," Mr Jones said.
"We've had to find new courts external to this facility."
To bring the precinct into the 21st century, the City of Hobart is calling on a commitment from candidates and political parties running in the state election.
"The New Town Sporting Precinct Master Plan represents a crucial investment in our city's sporting infrastructure," Cr Reynolds said.
"With its comprehensive improvements, this plan will not only benefit local sporting clubs and associations but also contribute to the health and well-being of our residents."
Healthy Hobart Portfolio Chair Cr Will Coats said the successful realisation of the Master Plan relied on securing funding support from both government and non-government sources.
"We are calling on all Clark candidates and the major parties to prioritise investment in the New Town Sporting Precinct. Together, we can create a vibrant and sustainable sporting hub that benefits our entire community," Cr Coats said.
Key Master Plan improvements include:
- increasing the number of netball courts by three, including the addition of an indoor show court capable of hosting Australian Netball League matches
- enhancing parking facilities, traffic management, and pedestrian safety measures to improve access to the area
- upgrading function facilities at New Town Oval and Hobart Netball and Sports Centre
- constructing modern change rooms and public toilet facilities, as well as improving storage and clubroom facilities for the New Town Cricket Club.
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