The plans include a new 12,000 capacity entertainment centre, creating a world class indoor arena attracting up to 160 new events to the Hunter each year.
The current Newcastle Entertainment Centre was originally built 33 years ago, as a temporary structure to operate for only 5 years. The new Newcastle Arena will be relocated next to McDonald Jones Stadium to create a dedicated live sport, entertainment and lifestyle precinct.
Relocating the arena is the first key move to unlock the precinct for future hotel, commercial and residential development to create a thriving, year-round destination. It also continues the transformation of the precinct, which is home to McDonald Jones Stadium, the Newcastle Knights Centre of Excellence and the Newcastle International Hockey Centre.
Together with the opening of Newcastle International Airport, Newcastle is rapidly transforming into a powerhouse for the regional visitor economy, creating jobs, driving local business and showcasing the Hunter to the world.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to growing regional NSW tourism and securing international concerts and other major events that attract visitors year-round to regional hubs will deliver real economic benefits to local communities.
During construction 610 jobs will be created, 133 additional jobs for the precinct, and 157 for the NSW region. With the Newcastle Arena’s expected to inject an additional $400 million in economic benefit over the next ten years, driving a near tenfold increase in interstate visitors to events.
The Newcastle Arena will be the catalyst for the delivery of the Broadmeadow Placemaking Strategy and is aligned with the Hunter Regional Plan 2036 and the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036.
The broader redevelopment will deliver more housing and green space, improved transport connections, accessible and safe walking and cycle paths, and a new outdoor plaza for events and live site activations.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
“This is the first piece of the puzzle in transforming Broadmeadow into a world-class sport, entertainment and lifestyle precinct.
“For too long, Newcastle has had the talent, the fans and the energy – but not the venue to match. That starts to change today.
“This is a major vote of confidence in Newcastle and the Hunter. It means more concerts, more visitors, more jobs and more to love about our region.”
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
“The existing entertainment centre reached its end-of-life decades ago. 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.
“This is a once-in-a-generation moment to finally deliver the sporting and entertainment infrastructure Newcastle and the Hunter deserves.”
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:
“The Newcastle Entertainment Centre has welcomed the likes of Kylie Minogue, John Farnham, and even Taylor Swift to its stage, as well as many more. That legacy will live on in the new Newcastle Arena, set to bring 160 performances each year.
“Newcastle is NSW’ second largest city, we not only deserve but need a world-class entertainment centre and precinct, and this Government is committed to delivering that.”
Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison said:
“This investment is a gamechanger for our region that will benefit our local talent, businesses, and community for decades to come.
“This announcement is another example of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to investing in the infrastructure our region needs to grow and thrive.”
Duty MLC for Upper Hunter and Lake Macquarie Emily Suvaal said:
“This is a huge win for the Hunter, Lake Macquarie and communities across our region who want to see our regions grow.
“A world-class arena in Newcastle means more major events, more visitors, more jobs and more opportunities for local businesses – from the Upper Hunter to Lake Macquarie and beyond.
Australian boxer Nikita Tszyu said:
“Fighting at the new arena would be a huge honour, and I’d love the opportunity to help open the venue with its first major event.
“Some of my best memories have come from here in Tszyu-castle, and a new world-class arena would be a game-changer for boxing and major events in the Hunter.”