Newington Reserve Upgrade

Newington Reserve is being developed into a recreational facility to offset the loss of publically accessible sports fields at Wilson Park Silverwater. Wilson Park is owned by the Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA) and been closed to community use for the development of a new Cricket NSW Centre of Excellence.

Council’s Community Infrastructure Strategy has identified Newington Reserve as the sole location within the surrounding area which has the potential to accommodate a new full sized sports field and associated facilities.

Yes, the sports field will be open to community use and there are no plans for a locked facility.

As with all of Council’s sports fields, Newington Reserve will be available for hire by sports clubs, schools and the general public. When the sports field is not in use by a hirer, it will be open for use to any member of the community.

For more information on the hire of Council’s parks and reserves, please refer to the link below:

www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/recreation-environmentour-parks/park-and-reserve-hire

City of Parramatta engaged a specialist licensed consultant to conduct soil sampling in Newington Reserve over a two day period in September and October 2019. All investigations were undertaken in accordance with current environment, health and safety standards and guidelines, with measures undertaken to ensure public safety during the works.

Soil test results indicated that low levels of asbestos contamination was present throughout the site. Due to the material being buried and maintenance of the grass cover layer across the reserve, the risk of exposure is considered low unless the soil is disturbed.

Council has implemented a series of works programs and remedial actions which are mitigating the risk of buried material becoming exposed. Asbestos can only pose a risk to human health if it can become airborne, and while buried asbestos generally is a very low risk, it is important that Council continues to identify sites where asbestos materials may be present so actions and safeguards can be put in place to ensure public safety.

Council will continue to work in consultation with the EPA, SafeWork NSW and NSW Health, and seek advice from specialists to secure the most appropriate long-term treatments for the site.

Due to existing site conditions, it is anticipated that most existing trees will require removal.

Tree removal is considered necessary for the following reasons:

1. Available open space: Currently the flat open space available in Newington Reserve is insufficient for proposed works. Tree removal will be required to ensure all works are delivered to correct standards and guidelines.
2. Existing topography: The existing topography of Newington Reserve will require significant modification (regrading) to accommodate proposed facilities. This will result in major adjustments to levels which could negatively affect the health of trees in a number of locations (for example exposing or burying tree roots).
3. Contaminated soils: It is not possible to remove contaminated soils within the vicinity of existing tree roots while ensuring the long term health of a tree. Provision of capping layers over existing tree root can also be problematic and is not considered suitable for this site.

Council seeks to ensure the long-term safety of the public by removing as much contaminated material from the site as possible, while installing new soil material (and capping layer) which completely removes the possible risk exposure.

New trees will be planted around the edges of the park, with a combination of advanced and semi advanced stock (pot size) installed to provide instant impact and benefit.

It is proposed that tree planting will consist primarily of native species, however non-native species may be used for feature trees or in specialist locations. Final species selection will be made during detail design to ensure suitability for varying locations.

The proposed sports pavilion building will include facilities for sports teams and clubs who are using the field such as change rooms, toilets, a kiosk and storage.

Proposed fencing will be installed to protect people and motorists within the park and adjoining roads and properties. Fencing will varying in height depending on its location within the park. For example, 1m high fencing is proposed for the sidelines, while ball screening up to 6m high is proposed behind the goals.

Where possible, fencing heights will be kept to a minimum.

Yes, the sports field will include LED flood lighting suitable for night-time competition matches and training.

Yes, Council aims at making the reserve a place the whole community can enjoy, and this includes traditional park facilities. Facilities provided will include park seating and shade trees, picnic tables and shelters and an electric BBQ.

The project will be funded by City of Parramatta Council with additional funding from the NSW Government Office of Sport and Football NSW. Funding sources are:

• City of Parramatta Council: 7.11 Contributions Plan. These plans collect funding from Development to develop new community infrastructure that meet the needs of the growing population.
• NSW Government Office of Sport: Greater Cities Sports Facilities Fund 2021/22
• NSW Government Office of Sport: Multi-sport Community Facility Fund 2021/22
• Football NSW: Let’s Light-up Football grant

Current cost estimates show that delivery of the entire project is only marginally within current funding availability. This is primarily due to existing contaminated site soils, and recent increases in costs across the construction market. A true cost of works will not be known until after public tender (quote).

Council is committed to delivering a recreational facility at Newington Reserve. If required non-critical items will be removed from the scope of works so key elements such as the sports field, sports pavilion building and on-street car parking can be delivered.

In December 2020, Council asked the local community to provide feedback on the Newington Reserve concept plan. Thank you to everyone who contributed! Your feedback will help shape the final design.

• 78% of participants (68/87) said 'YES!' they support the proposed concept design
• 12.5% (11/87) provided some level of support.
• respondents who provided limited to no support for the concept plan, commented on:
• Car parking provision and layout. Council will seek to install as much on-street car parking as possible. Car parking will be designed to RMS guidelines which will determine parking angle, bay width and orientation. The proposed design also makes allowance for 2 x disabled parking bays. The final car parking proposal will require approval from the Parramatta Traffic Committee.
• Tree Removal. Requirements for tree removal are detailed in the Frequently Asked Questions.