We are ecstatic to announce that through persistence and hard work over the course of many years Hamilton Rugby Union Club has been successful in our application for funding support for the Passmore Oval upgrade.
The Minister for Tourism and Sport, the Hon. Stuart Ayres MP, announced yesterday that Hamilton Rugby Club, the major user of the Wickham grounds, has been successful in securing a $1 million government grant as part of the second round of the Greater Cities Sports Facilities Fund.
The grant, along with support from the City of Newcastle and the Club’s own money, will see long planned improvements at Wickham Park finally come to fruition.
Designed by EJE Architecture, as well as general upgrades, the plans include the construction of new, dedicated female change rooms and toilets and accessible bathrooms. A new community space to be built in the grandstand, will be accessible by lift and includes a special viewing space for wheelchair users.
We would like to thank Mr. Ayres and the government for recognising the need for the improvements and for their support.
“Every week, hundreds of young people will benefit from these improvements as they look to pursue a healthy and active lifestyle. As a club and as a community we are very grateful to not only the State Government, but also the Lord Mayor, Councillors and staff, whose backing was a critical factor in securing the grant.”
“Hamilton Rugby Club has been struggling for some time to meet the needs of our members and supporters, especially with the growth we are seeing in young female participants. At the present time, we have just 2 change rooms to service both male and female home and away teams. It is a constant juggling act to move people and equipment in and out the rooms with multiple games each weekend and multiple fields in use.
There are also currently no accessible bathrooms anywhere in the park area.
The new community space in the grandstand will, I am sure, be well utilised and prove popular with all members of the community”
The Club plans to get construction underway in the current year and hopes to have the new amenities available for use in 2023. A major club fundraising campaign will also soon be launched to ensure that the new amenities will be fitted with the best possible equipment and fixtures.