If Newcastle Harness Racing Club needs to relocate, it could find a new home in Cessnock.
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The club has had a long-standing lease on Newcastle Paceway in Broadmeadow since 1989.
But it may soon be looking for a new home, with the lease set to expire in 2027 and recent discussions about redeveloping the existing precinct.
Cessnock City Council is looking to seize the opportunity and earmark Cessnock as the perfect spot if the Newcastle Harness Racing Club considers a relocation in the future.
Councillors supported a motion by Cr Jay Suvaal at last week’s meeting to write to the Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot Macdonald and the Newcastle Harness Racing Club to set up a meeting to discuss future plans.
“If harness racing was relocated to the Cessnock LGA I believe this would be a huge boost to our local economy and create more local jobs,” Cr Suvaal said.
Mayor Bob Pynsent said a facility like this would be well-suited to the Cessnock community and have economic benefits with increased visitors.
“Harness racing is hugely popular in the Cessnock LGA, with a large number of trainers and owners in the area, and it would be great to see this built upon,” Cr Pynsent said.
“Given our central location, ease of access with the Hunter Expressway and rapid growth predicted, we are a prime spot for a new paceway.”
Council will also investigate potential sites for the paceway that will include, but not be limited to vacant land close to the Hunter Expressway, along with existing sites for possible redevelopment.
