THE AFL's $1.4 million proposal to upgrade No.1 Sportsground was given in-principle support by Newcastle City Council's recreation advisory committee after a briefing yesterday.
NSW/ACT AFL, the state-based representative of the AFL, hopes to enlarge the Cooks Hill venue and upgrade its facilities in order to cater for elite Aussie Rules.
Recreation advisory committee chairwoman Councillor Nuatali Nelmes said she was impressed by the presentation.
"I know personally, as the chair of the recreation committee, myself and members of the committee were happy to give the project in-principle support," Cr Nelmes said.
"I think it's very exciting that we have the capacity to cope with many codes of football in the Hunter, and No.1 does need an upgrade and it does sit well that the ground would be upgraded for AFL and cricket.
"I think it's great timing."
Cr Nelmes said the general feeling among the council was that once the $7.2 million redevelopment of the rectangular No.2 Sportsground was completed later this year, No.1 Sportsground would require a facelift.
The council is expected to be given a brief of the proposal next month.
"The next step is we'll work a little bit closer with council, now they've given in-principle support, and come together," NSW/ACT facilities co-ordinator Anthony Brooks said.
Warners Bay's AFL ground Feighan Park has already received approval for a $212,221 upgrade under the NSW Government's 2010 Community Building Partnerships Program.
The grant will include the construction of a second AFL ground on the site.
Last Modified on 27/08/2012 20:54