New grandstand sets inclusive benchmark for Newcastle

Passmore Oval at Wickham has become a venue of choice for rugby union players and cricketers thanks to a $2.6 million collaboration with City of Newcastle.

The redevelopment of the grandstand has delivered dedicated female home and away changerooms for the Hamilton Hawks Rugby Union Club (HHRUC) and Hamilton-Wickham Cricket Club, as well as their rivals.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes joins CN staff, President of Hamilton Hawks Rugby Union Club Lesa Mason, Hawks players and officials, Hamilton-Wickham Cricket Club secretary Paul Rodgers and EJE Architecture representatives at the new-look Passmore Oval grandstand.The changerooms are housed within a new two-storey building constructed at the back of the existing grandstand, which also provides accessible amenities and viewing areas for both Passmore Oval and its adjacent Hawkins Oval.

A community meeting room, shared exercise training area and storage rooms were also included in the upgrade.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project aligns with City of Newcastle's 10-year Strategic Sports Plan.

"We're aiming to provide facilities that support universal access and meet the future demands of the Newcastle community," Cr Nelmes said.

"Specially designed female changerooms will be housed on the ground floor of the new building and the upper level will feature an accessible balcony overlooking Hawkins Oval.

"The redevelopment ensures the spectator facilities cater to all members of our community with the existing grandstand also featuring a lift and viewing space for wheelchair users overlooking Passmore Oval."

HHRUC successfully secured $1 million in funding from the NSW Government's Greater Cities Sport Facility Fund to go towards the project, with City of Newcastle providing more than $1.6 million.

Club President Lesa Mason said the new facilities mean women's teams will no longer have to play second fiddle to their male counterparts.

"We have a vision, alongside Rugby Australia, to see more women and girls in rugby. We want to provide opportunities for women teams to be established across all levels," Ms Mason said.

“Participation rates in women’s rugby are booming and these purpose-built dressing rooms are certain to encourage more girls to get involved.

"Our men's Premier One side is already the most successful team since the turn of the century, winning nine premierships, and these improvements can only help make it even more formidable."

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the NSW Government understands the vital role community sport plays in keeping people healthy, active and connected.

“This investment will deliver well-designed, new and improved sport facilities that will allow increased participation across all sporting codes,” Minister Kamper said.

“The delivery of fit for purpose change rooms enables women and girls of all ages to feel comfortable, safe and welcome.”

Hamilton-Wickham secretary Paul Rodgers said the redevelopment will provide great benefits for the cricket club.

"We were one of the four original clubs in the women's T20 competition when it started in 2019 so it's great our players will now have their own changeroom,” Mr Rodgers said.

"The accessible viewing areas will encourage more spectators of all ages and abilities to come and watch men's and women's games on both Passmore and Hawkins Ovals.

"The other upgrades will also allow Passmore to become a key venue for hosting major national tournaments, matches and regional carnivals".