Gregson Park's history celebrated in new Masterplan

Future improvements to Hamilton's historic Gregson Park will be realised through a detailed Masterplan for the site, which will be presented to Councillors for adoption at Tuesday's Council meeting.

City of Newcastle Acting Director City Wide Services Lynn Duffy said that community feedback was integral in the development of the new Masterplan.

"We know our community values Gregson Park’s rich history and what it offers as a recreational space, which is why this Masterplan was developed with the community in mind," Ms Duffy said.

"In 2020, we asked our community to share their aspirations, memories from the past and what they wanted to see at Gregson Park in the future. This consultation informed a draft Masterplan that was placed on public exhibition with the opportunity to provide further feedback.

"The Masterplan will ensure we respect the heritage significance of Gregson Park through the retention and enhancement of the existing historical elements, as well as incorporate indigenous culture into future improvements.

"City of Newcastle will invest $8 million into Gregson Park over the next decade by implementing short and long-term priorities included in the Masterplan."

During the six-week public exhibition period, City of Newcastle heard that the community supports the provision of activities for all ages, including the retention of the tennis courts and addition of fitness equipment, basketball half court and a bat ball wall.

The draft Masterplan was further refined in response to community feedback, which saw the addition of bike racks and bubblers, re-orientation of the basketball half court, relocation of the bat ball wall and improved seating configuration in the south-western corner of the park. The tennis clubhouse will also be retained, noting that a Tennis Strategy will be developed to provide further insight into tennis facilities across Newcastle.

Amendments to the Heritage Places Plan of Management will also be considered by Councillors at Tuesday’s Council Meeting to ensure the intent and vision of the Gregson Park Masterplan can be realised.

Short-term priorities earmarked include the new larger playspace, basketball half court and bat ball wall, realigned paths, plantings, community shelter, enhanced park entries and upgraded amenities with disabled access and facilities.

Long-term priorities include further tree planting, new accessible pathway, potential new kiosk, community gardens and the addition of a stormwater retention tank underneath the former bowling green.