PARRAMATTA’S first premier cricket facility and turf wicket is on the way following the delivery of a $6.2M Australian Government grant towards stage one of the Belmore Park Masterplan.
Funding will go towards upgrades to Richie Benaud Oval at North Parramatta, including the construction of the area’s first and only turf wicket, three fenced synthetic practice wickets, a public amenity building, loop path, fencing, lighting and an electronic scoreboard.
Announced in 2022 by Andrew Charlton MP, Federal Member for Parramatta, the funding will be combined with an additional $3.2M by the City of Parramatta and delivered in partnership with the Australian Government.
Stage one of the Belmore Park masterplan is expected to be complete by late 2026, weather permitting.
Andrew Charlton MP said: “Parramatta has given Australia some of our best cricketers and athletes. Despite this rich lineage, our city currently has no turf cricket facilities. We’re finally delivering Parramatta’s first turf wicker and premier cricket facility, helping secure the future of community sport in our local area.”
Greg Monoghan, President of the Parramatta District Cricket Club said: “Parramatta’s amazing multicultural cricket loving community will benefit enormously from the re-development of Richie Benaud Oval.
“This quality regional facility will give our many emerging talented male and female cricketers their best opportunity to proudly represent Parramatta all the way to the top.
“We thank everyone who has contributed to progress to date, especially Dr Andrew Charlton MP, Donna Davis MP, City of Parramatta Council Lord Mayor Pierre Esber and CEO Gail Connolly and former Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer.”
IAMGE: MP Andrew Charlton with Greg Monoghan announce the funding in 2022.
