Harold Gregson Reserve in Central Maitland will be transformed into an expansive and exciting youth and events space in a $7 million project delivered by Maitland City Council in partnership with the NSW Government.

Kids of all ages are the big winners from the project, with a brand new playspace, full sized basketball and multipurpose court, parkour equipment, and an upgraded skate park on the way to Harold Gregson Reserve.

An events lawn and amphitheatre, an amenities block, large picnic shelter, RV parking, public electric vehicle charging and new parking and shade for the existing offroad remote control track are among the other features on the way thanks to the $7 million project. Positive environmental outcomes are a priority of these works, with the planting of large legacy trees like figs to provide deep shade and improve canopy cover, mitigating urgan heat, in the area for generations to come. The site has also been identified by Council as one which will be targeted for further revegetation in the future.

The fourth and final stage of the Maitland Regional Sports Complex, this project proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Maitland City Council, with $3 million in funding from NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program and $2,708,640 from Resources for Regions Round 9.

Council have contributed a further $1.2 million. Speaking at a sod turning ceremony with Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Taylor Martin on Wednesday, Mayor Philip Penfold celebrated the recreation area as the incredible final stage of almost a decade of works at the site. ‘We’ve watched over the past eight years as this site has developed from a humble sportsground and grass running track into the much loved, modern Maitland Regional Sports Complex that we now know, and to see this final stage of works get underway is fantastic,’ Mayor Penfold said.

‘To bring such a wide variety of play options to one place – a playspace, multipurpose court, parkour equipment and upgrades to the skate park – will create a hub for Maitland's kids to head out and enjoy themselves.

‘It will transform this underutilised space in the heart of our city into a place of activity, recreation and respite. I’m looking forward to the works being completed and the people of Maitland get out and spend time among what will be an amazing space in the centre of our city.'

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said Resources for Regions has been very successful, with Rounds One through Nine delivering eight projects for Maitland worth more than $15.3 million.

“Mining plays a very important part in the NSW economy, supporting tens of thousands of jobs across the State and it will continue to play a role in Maitland for years to come,” Mr Martin said.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to supporting regional mining towns like Maitland that supply our State with these precious resources, and I am pleased to see Maitland City Council putting forward these projects like this which will support the ongoing prosperity of the local community.”

The Public Spaces Legacy Program is about delivering vital infrastructure needed for healthy communities, as populations and housing requirements grow.