Morisset: New event space hoping to attract A-list stars to Lake Macquarie

Forget the Opera House and Qudos Bank Arena, a new event space opening in Lake Macquarie might be the spot for A-list entertainment with a new 30,000 seat venue on the way.

Forget the Opera House and Qudos Bank Arena, a new event space opening in Lake Macquarie might be the spot for A-list entertainment.

Crowds of up to 30,000 can expect to be wowed by international and national stars once the multi-million dollar redevelopment of Morisset Country Club golf course is complete.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said it is extremely exciting for Morisset.

“It’s a construction of an iconic stage structure and it will create a unique proposition to Australian promoters and international acts,” Councillor Fraser said.

“Any of those big star names that we see now coming to Sydney, any one of those will be coming here to Morisset.

The entertainment facility will host a range of events, markets and functions.

“It is going to be really ideal, the space is just off the M1 and there is a train station within walking distance.”

The site approved by council on Tuesday will also include a tourist park, outdoor gardens, cafe, restaurants, splash park and other recreation areas.

CEO of developers Winarch Capital and Cedar Mill Group Kyle McKendry said construction will start as early as next week.

“The best case for completion of the development will be the end of 2022,” he said.

“We are currently talking to major providers and there’s interest for the venue as soon as it’s opens.”

Cr Fraser said the development would boost the profile of Morisset and help realise the area’s untapped potential.

“It is going to be fantastic for the western side of the lake who are suffering growing pains at the moment with alot of youth unemployment,” she said.

“The development will have positive economic benefits for Morisset and the city, 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.”

Josh Sattler, the CEO of Dantia, Lake Macquarie City’s economic development company, said Cedar Mill’s redevelopment of the former golf course was a value-add proposition.

“Morisset has so many strategic and lifestyle assets – it is well-located for growth, has significant open space, affordable housing and is idyllically situated at the foothills of the mountains and in close proximity to the lake,” Mr Sattler said.

“This is a state-significant tourism development that will cast Morisset in an exciting new light and showcase our city to visitors from across NSW, interstate and overseas.”

Cr Fraser said the event space will put Lake Macquarie on the map as an event tourism destination.

“Morisset will be a destination, it will be a tourism destination, people will come up for the weekend just to walk around and take it all in,” she said.