The White Park Recreation and Equine Facility Development Stage 1 is being funded by $1.469 million from the Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund (HIIF). 

Stage 1 of the project includes new arena surface and drainage; 90m x 60m roof; some terraced seating; water tanks and landscape irrigation; and basic lighting under the roof.

The tender for the design and construction of the building was awarded to Wallandra Group.

Upper Hunter mayor Wayne Bedggood welcomed the next step in the project.

“The improved White Park facility will provide the Upper Hunter’s first all-weather outdoor sports facility and increase its use for a range of events,” Cr Bedggood said.

“It is expected to generate several thousand new visitors to the region, providing a major boost to the local visitor economy. 

“Staging of extra sporting events is expected to generate new revenue for the facility and an increase of about 15,000 visitor nights or $2.6 million of additional tourist spend annually for the region.

“I would like to thank the White Park Management and Development Committee and all the user groups who have shown support for this project over the many years that we have worked to make this redevelopment happen.

“A master plan for the White Park facility was developed following significant consultation by council with user groups, discussions with manufacturers, design engineers and visiting similar sites such as Dubbo, Armidale and Tamworth.”

Many organisations have flagged new events for White Park when the development is completed.

The new White Park facility will build on the Upper Hunter Shire’s standing as the Horse Capital of Australia, and the rich historic connection with horses.