National Park Landscape and Park Improvements

Bringing more green space to the heart of Newcastle!

Background 
National Park is one of Newcastle’s largest and oldest sportsgrounds and open space reserves, spanning over 20 hectares.  

It is home to a variety of community facilities, including sportsgrounds, netball courts, a croquet club, and an athletics track. Recognising its vital role in the community, we are committed to enhancing the northwest corner of National Park to create a greener, safer, and more vibrant community space. 

A condition report conducted on the vacant Wal Young House in National Park, determined it was no longer fit for purpose due to the poor condition of the structure which contained asbestos and extensively damaged utilities. The vacant building also attracted vandalism through unauthorised entry with the community reporting antisocial in the area. The building has since been demolished as a result. 

Planned Works 
We are now transforming the northwest corner of National Park into an expanded open space for the community following demolition of Wal Young House.  

Last year we asked the community for suggestions for this space. Based on your feedback, works in this area will include: 

• Additional landscaping to enrich the park's natural beauty and biodiversity. 
• Installation of bike racks, bubblers, park benches, and shelters to improve visitor experience. 
• Construction of a new 1.5m-wide footpath connecting Smith Street to Parry Street and to the existing basketball courts, improving pedestrian and cyclists' accessibility. 
• Installation of new amenities, providing much-needed facilities for park users. 

Next steps 

Following the building demolition, and completion of site remediation and service works, stage 1 works are currently underway to better serve the community’s vision for more green and open space. 

Stage 1 works are anticipated to be completed by late 2025.  

More information will be provided to the community as work progresses.