The New South Wales government has taken a significant step toward transforming key sporting and entertainment precincts across the state, with legislative changes set to unlock the massive potential of Newcastle's Hunter Park development in Broadmeadow.
Legislative Amendment Unlocks Land Potential
The Minns government has amended legislation to allow visitor and residential accommodation to be built on Venues NSW land, a use that was previously prohibited by law. The amendment, announced in November 2025, comes as the final business case for the Hunter Park redevelopment was completed.
In its announcement, the state government emphasized that without this crucial amendment, the land would remain locked up despite the completed planning. The change enables integrated development around major venues that could significantly boost both tourism and housing supply.
Boosting Tourism and Addressing Housing Needs
Minister for Sport, Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper described the state's stadiums and entertainment centres as representing a massive opportunity for New South Wales. The government estimates NSW will need approximately 40,000 additional hotel rooms over the next decade to meet visitor economy targets.
Kamper highlighted the dual benefits of the legislative change, noting that providing new hotel and residential offerings on surplus lands near popular sport and entertainment venues addresses both tourism infrastructure and housing challenges simultaneously.
Industry Support for Practical Reform
The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the move as a smart and practical reform. Property Council Hunter and Central Coast regional director Nuatali Nelmes described it as a sensible, future-focused move that recognizes the value of integrating accommodation, entertainment and transport.
Nelmes emphasized that unlocking land at Hunter Park will help Newcastle grow as both an entertainment hub and employment centre, creating new opportunities for local businesses and the visitor economy. She noted that the next critical step is ensuring the proposed new Entertainment Centre is delivered.
Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes pointed to Sydney's Olympic Park as evidence that areas near major stadiums and venues are popular for residential development. He stated that supercharging accommodation and hospitality development around these significant venues will drive economic activity and potentially spur further investment in sporting and entertainment assets.
Venues NSW operates more than $4 billion in community assets across New South Wales, including McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle Showground, Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Wollongong's WIN Stadium and WIN Entertainment Centre, and CommBank Stadium in Parramatta.
