King Edward Park saga

Friday, 08 February 2002 10:00

Total Environment Centre (TEC) Urban Campaigner Mr Leigh Martin said "The battle for control of the Bowling Club has degenerated into a soap-opera that completely ignores the best interests of the people of Newcastle. The simplest solution is for the State Government to terminate the lease and restore the land to King Edward park for all to enjoy".

The land occupied by the bowling club is part of King Edward Park that was leased to Newcastle Bowling Club in 1965 for bowling greens and bowling club buildings.

"Irrespective of who controls the club, the fact remains that the land is no longer being used for bowling. The lease should be revoked and the land returned to the people of Newcastle, not handed over to speculators for development", Mr Martin said.

Mr Doug Lithgow, President of the Parks and Playgrounds Movement, said " The bowling club land has outstanding views of the ocean and surrounding areas. Returning it to the park would make a wonderful addition to public open space in Newcastle"

With rapid population growth and increasing medium density development in Newcastle, maintaining and enhancing open space is increasingly important.

"Newcastle is a city rapidly undergoing major change and increased development. Our parks and public open space will be crucial to maintaining our quality of life. This unique opportunity to improve the magnificent King Edward Park must not be squandered", Mr Lithgow said.