Concept & Design

  • Project typeConcept
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The original Concept Plans for the Hunter Park Youth and Sports Hub were finalised in June 2021. 

The proposed GRC project may include:

  • Indoor sports centre
  • Full size timbered multipurpose basketball court/s and spectator area
  • A modern gymnasium capable of being isolated and secured for after-hours access
  • A youth centre including a “chill out” youth space office and administration areas
  • Shared amenities capable of servicing the pool, gymnasium and sports centre
  • Kiosk/Canteen Area
  • Adequate car parking facilities
  • New swimming pool, including all-abilities access, suitable for all ages, water-play, outdoor space for recreational activities and supervision, and suitable shade to meet the Gilgandra climate. 
  • Outdoor basketball area
    • Creation of a half-court basketball area within the Hunter Park Precinct
  • Tennis courts
    • Artificial grass tennis courts, club house and amenities

 

Vision: To create a Multipurpose Indoor Sports Centre which provides for a modern youth centre, gymnasium and outdoor public swimming pool which supports the growth and development of sports and recreation in Gilgandra.

Concept images of the proposed facilities are available for viewing in the attachments. View the 3D walk-through below!

 

 

Key Project Drivers:

  • Regional Significance: Gilgandra is the only council in NSW delivering government-funded social services to neighbouring LGAs Warren, Coonamble and Warrumbungle.
  • Increasing Social and Community Need: Demand for recreational precinct targeting young residents through inclusive programs.

  • Access to Fitness Centre Based Activities: The current Fitness Centre is at capacity, ,limited options for centre-based activities in the region, with the nearest centre 65km away in Dubbo.

  • Aging Facilities: Existing Youth Club and Pool facilities are outdated, unsafe, and do not meet needs.

  • Poor Accessibility: Buildings lack compliant access for persons with accessibility requirements.

  • Inappropriate Location: The Youth Clubs current site zoning restricts major recreational use.

 

Project Outcomes:

  • Access and Inclusion
    The new facility will provide safe, accessible, and inclusive spaces for people of all ages, abilities, and genders, with fully compliant accessible facilities and features supporting equitable participation.
  • Increased Sport Participation and Sporting Events
    New indoor courts and a modern pool will encourage year-round participation and enable local and regional competitions, boosting activity across the community.
  • Increased Visitation through Regional Sporting Competitions
    Hosting events will support the local visitor economy and strengthen Gilgandra’s role as a regional sporting destination.
  • Employment and Volunteering Opportunities
    Local and regional construction services across the Orana Region will be engaged to deliver the project. The new facility will provide spaces suitable for the establishment of allied health and community services.
  • Increased Appeal of Investing in Regional New South Wales
    The development will enhance liveability, support population growth, diversify skills, and strengthen the Gilgandra place brand, benefiting both residents and local businesses.
  • Net Economic Benefit
    A cost-benefit analysis indicates the development will provide positive economic returns and long-term community value.

Concept Plan Images

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Project Phases:

  • Phase 1 - Completing the design and procurement strategy (up to awarding the construction tender/s)

  • Phase 2 - Construction and project delivery

  • Phase 3 – Operations of the GRC

 

Hunter Park History

There was a sawmill located in this area before it became a dedicated park area. The sawmill was on the site of the present Gilgandra Swimming Pool.

 

Trustees appointed for Gilgandra's first park in Warren Road Reserve Number 40228 were Messrs S Barden, J Barling, JJ Murray, AF Garling and P O'Neill. (Government Gazette 16 March 1906)

 

The park was taken over by the Gilgandra Shire Council in August 1909 through the then Minister of Lands. 'Being the whole of the block of land on the Eastern side of the Post Office and the street separating that park, included in the park'. It was then named The Gilgandra Park.

 

By the end of 1916 the Shire Council had gates erected 'large enough to allow the access of perambulators'.

 

In the early 1910s the park boasted a children's playground, later the first bowling green and clubhouse.

 

Late in 1939 the Gilgandra Swimming Pool was established, then the Bowlers' Clubhouse became the first preschool, (later taken to Court Street), the children's playground was updated and excellent lighting has been provided throughout the park.

 

The Gilgandra Weekly printed 'The local park is an absolute credit to the head gardener Mr Theo Harvey and the park manager Mr John Hunter'.

 

A Gilgandra Weekly clipping taken from a Sydney paper: 'Gilgandra Park awarded first place in the 1964 Garden Competition for the North West Zone of the State'.

 

After Mr John Hunter's return from the war, the park was renamed Hunter Park in honour of his role in its beautification and his outstanding commitment to the position of Council Engineer.

 

In the year 2000 volunteers, youth workers and Council erected a SKS skate facility for Gilgandra's youth near the Newell Highway and Swimming Pool.

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