The redevelopment of EnergyAustralia Stadium represents the first critical stage in the development of a multi-use facility to be known as Hunter International Sports Centre.

The Hunter ISC Trust has developed a Master Plan for the development of the facility that will ensure the long-term viability and use of the entire precinct. The Plan provides a guide for development over the next 10-15 years.

Hunter ISC will become the Hunter's sporting hub.

• It will play host to regional, state, national and international sporting and cultural events.
  
• It will become home to many of the region's sporting bodies.
  
• It will provide opportunities to develop educational and lifelong learning programs.

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Key Features

The following is an outline of the key features of the Master Plan:

• Redevelopment of EnergyAustralia Stadium.
  The redevelopment of the existing ground into a world-class multi-sports stadium is the first stage of the Hunter ISC project. The new stadium provides the platform for future growth.
  
  
• Proposed redevelopment of the Sports Facility Zone.
  This area is currently occupied by a mini-golf complex and a go-kart track. This redevelopment involves the construction of facilities to enhance the role of Hunter ISC as the Hunter Region's sporting hub. The development will include indoor sports and entertainment facilities, as well as accommodation.
  Supa Putt and Go Karts Go will continue to operate until the development starts.
  
  
• The extension of the Newcastle Harness Racing Club grandstand.
  Improvements to the harness racing club grandstand will increase the club's ability to host high profile meetings, such as the 2002 Interdominion Heats, which attracted more than 7,500 spectators. The track is already regarded as one of the finest in Australia.
  
  
• Continued development at the Newcastle International Hockey Centre.
  The Hockey Centre is presently preparing a third hockey field, as well as a practice field, warm-up area and improved player and spectator facilities. These expanded facilities will allow the centre to host state and national hockey tournaments.
  
  
• Multi-use development of District Park for cricket and football.
  Located to the south of EnergyAustralia Stadium, this development would include improved drainage, lighting and the extension of facilities on the land. This would provide a permanent training facility for the Newcastle Knights and Newcastle United and reduce unnecessary usage on the playing area of EnergyAustralia Stadium. It would also be made available to other local sporting organisations, including the Newcastle City & Suburban Cricket Association.
  Public access to this area would be maintained and improvements to amenities undertaken through the implementation of landscaping and a jogging/walking track.
  
  
• Proposed development of a Celtic Cultural Centre.
  This is proposed for land adjacent to the Rescue Helicopter Base.
  
• The introduction of vehicle access to the Hunter ISC from Griffiths Road.
  
  
• Development of additional car parking.
  
  
• Improvements to access by rationalising car parking, bus parking and vehicle access to Turton Road.
  
  
• Continuation of the leasing of land within the paceway for touch football and other sports training.
  
  
• Improvement of amenity across the area for the general community.
  This would involve extensive landscaping; construction of new pathways and bridges across the stormwater culverts; an entry point at the corner of Lambton and Turton Roads; picnic areas; and a walking and jogging track.