Grassroots community sports has won the day with Clarence City Council throwing its support behind a master plan for Cambridge Oval.
At its meeting on February 24, Council voted in favour of a draft master plan that sets out a long-term vision for Cambridge Memorial Oval grounds.
The plans include the redevelopment of two sports fields to accommodate two full sized soccer pitches, a new sports pavilion, an off-lead dog park and a new trail network with amenities.
The plans also include upgrades to adjacent carparks to improve traffic flow as well as the retention and potential enhancement of Cambridge War Memorial and other historical elements.
Council has been working closely with the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) to develop a plan for the area and provide improved community sports facilities, while also accommodating the expansion of Cambridge Primary School.
The master plan will be jointly funded by Council and DECYP – who are proposing a new indoor gym and the multi-use outdoor hard court as part of Stage 2 of the primary school expansion. These will be available to the public when not in use by the school.
Clarence City Council Mayor Brendan Blomeley said the master plan would result in significant improvements to the area.
“This wonderful partnership with Cambridge Primary School will transform the space into a modern, integrated recreational, sporting and education precinct that will serve the needs of the growing community now and into the future,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“What is great about this project is that it serves two very important purposes: the educational needs of our children, and the growing demand for grassroots community sports facilities in Clarence.
“While the adoption of this master plan signals our in-principle support for the project, there is much more to be done.
“From here both Council and DECYP will develop more detailed plans which will go out for community consultation.”
The master plan was first released in March 2023 and went out to public consultation.
The results of the consultation can be found on the City of Clarence YourSay website: Draft Cambridge Oval Master Plan | Your Say Clarence.