Council fielding inquiries for new Medowie Sport and Community Facility

It’s game on at the newly constructed Medowie Sport and Community Centre as Port Stephens Council seeks an innovative and experienced operator to take charge, with expressions of interest (EOI) closing 30 August 2020.

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Located in the heart of one of the fastest-growing areas in Port Stephens, the new multipurpose facility provides the Medowie community and it’s surrounds a much needed hub for sports, events and recreational activities.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer says Medowie is the perfect location for investment.

“Medowie is a suburb on the move! We’ve seen huge investment in the area recently with new housing developments and a new school. It’s easy to see why families love it here — it’s an attractive, affordable, semi-rural lifestyle that’s close to good work prospects.

“Just 40 minutes from Newcastle and the beautiful Nelson Bay, Medowie is close to fast-growing defence, aviation and manufacturing jobs in Williamtown and Tomago,” he said.

“That’s why the new Medowie Sport and Community Facility is an incredible asset to this community that will provide a central space for everyone to come together.”

Community and Recreation Coordinator Brock Lamont says the new multipurpose facility has been designed to meet a wide range of needs.

“Overlooking Ferodale Oval, the facility also includes meeting spaces, bistro, bar, outdoor seating, a children’s playground, synthetic bowling green, a multipurpose events space and 100 car parking spaces.

“It’s the perfect space for hospitality, food and beverage operators or those working in the event and conference space who wish to broaden their base. “We’re focused on finding the right operator to achieve the best outcome for the community and working closely with interested parties,” he said.

Mayor Palmer acknowledged the impact COVID-19 has had on the hospitality industry.

“We completed the facility in February 2020 and our initial search for an operator was hindered by COVID-19 — high quality operators were not able to continue due to the need to focus on their existing operations.

“We’re very aware of the challenges facing businesses at the moment and we’re committed to supporting the successful operator to drive the success of this unique community facility.

“We’re also willing to explore trading up options to support operators as they build their business from the facility,” he said.

Mayor Palmer says the new EOI also coincides with the announcement of a new regular produce farmers’ market in the grounds of the Medowie Sport and Community Facility.

“We’ve been listening to the community and we know that supporting local business is important to us all. We have an incredible diversity of famers and growers across Port Stephens — from our oyster farmers and fishermen to market gardens, olives, macadamias, avocados and much more,” Mayor Palmer said.

“All of this, plus its central location, makes Medowie an ideal location for a produce style market. I hope these markets will give an exciting new outlet for our local growers, producers and artisans.

“Like many others, COVID-19 has impacted our community but we know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel — this is the perfect time to be part of restarting Port Stephens,” he added.

Expressions of interest for the Medowie Community and Sport Facility close 12 midnight 30 August 2020. Expressions of interest for the Market Operator close 12 midnight 23 August 2020.

For more information about both EOIs, visit portstephens.nsw.gov.au/medowie