Council green-lights 30,000-seat concert venue in NSW’s Lake Macquarie

Plans to set up a 30,000-seat concert and event venue in the fast-growing area of Morisset, has been green-lighted by the Lake Macquarie City Council.

Councillors voted unanimously to approve Winarch Capital’s development application for the Cedar Mill event site on the former Morisset Country Club golf course.

Cedar Mill’s multi-million-dollar redevelopment of the golf course includes a tourist park, outdoor gardens, café, restaurant, splash park, markets and other recreation areas.

It is located on the NSW Central Coast halfway between Newcastle and Gosford, and just off the Sydney-Newcastle Freeway.

Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser said the development would have major economic consequences and increase the profile of Morisset as an entertainment and tourism destination.

“It will create jobs in the area and generate significant flow-on benefits for local tourism operators, hospitality vendors, equipment providers and other businesses that support and supply the event industry.

“It will boost the night-time economy and provide much-needed new social and recreational amenities for the people of Morisset and surrounding communities.”

The venue is set to draw international superstars and major Australian entertainment names.

Council’s long-term plan identifies the town as a ‘Regionally Significant Growth Area’ which is attracting investors and young families.

The University of Newcastle was engaged to undertake a Resilience and Growth Study for Morisset and the South West Precinct to ensure that growth is sustainable and addresses the needs of the community.

Winarch Capital managing director Paul Lambess welcomed Council’s decision.

“We are proud of the work we have put in to get Cedar Mill Lake Macquarie to this point,” he said.

“This project represents an enormous opportunity for the south-western corridor of Lake Macquarie and we appreciate the collaborative and progressive approach that Lake Macquarie City Council has taken in recognising that opportunity to create jobs and help Morisset reach its potential.”

Cedar Mill Group recently named Kyle Kendry as CEO and made an additional five senior hires.

It also has plans for a 22,000-person outdoor concert venue in the Hunter Valley.