City of Newcastle has delivered the last major milestone in a shared vision for Blackbutt Reserve after officially opening the doors today on its new $3.2 million multipurpose community facility.
Located in the Carnley Avenue recreation area, the environmental education, meeting and function space and cafe forms part of Blackbutt Reserve's Plan of Management, which was developed following community consultation.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison and City of Newcastle Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability, Marnie Kikken officially open Blackbutt Reserve's new $3.2 million multipurpose community facility and café.An accessible path around the adjacent lawn area was also installed as part of the project, to create better connections between the play space, amenities, animal exhibits, café and community facility.
Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability, Marnie Kikken, said City of Newcastle is committed to protecting and enhancing the much-loved destination for the whole community.
"Blackbutt Reserve plays an important role in our vision of Newcastle as a smart, liveable and sustainable city where we celebrate our unique qualities and protect our natural assets," Ms Kikken said.
"Featuring pristine natural bushland, 12 km of walking trails, wildlife exhibits, playgrounds and picnic facilities, it offers diverse opportunities for social connection, active and passive recreation and interactions with nature.
"This will be enhanced with the opening of our new multipurpose community facility and café, which will further encourage residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the green heart of our city."
The project was partially funded by the NSW Government's Resources for Regions grant program.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley officially opened the new building today and said it would be a welcome addition for the community.
"It's great to finally open the doors to this facility, which will house some really important services including a new cafe," Minister Catley said.
"Blackbutt Reserve is one of Newcastle's most treasured natural spaces and this new facility is a great example of how we can improve public spaces while still respecting the environment.
"The NSW Government provided over $800,000 in funding for this project because we know how important these facilities are, not only for creating local jobs, but also for boosting tourism across the Hunter.
"We want people to visit Blackbutt Reserve knowing there are top-notch facilities to make their experience even better."
Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison also welcomed the new additions at Blackbutt Reserve.
"This is an exciting day for the people of Newcastle, with the opening of the expanded Blackbutt Reserve community facilities," Ms Harrison said.
"The new facilities and café will revitalise this popular attraction and bring more visitors to enjoy the wonderful natural environment."
Ms Kikken said the project is a significant step in delivering the shared vision for Blackbutt Reserve.
"The Blackbutt Reserve Plan of Management provides a framework for how the reserve is managed in line with its ecological, recreational, educational and historic values," Ms Kikken said.
"In the past 10 years City of Newcastle has delivered the plan's key actions, including the construction of the adventure playground at Richley Reserve and upgrades to the wildlife exhibits and Carnley Avenue recreation area.
"The multipurpose community facility and cafe will complement these other elements, providing an improved experience for more than 150,000 people who visit Blackbutt Reserve each year."
The multipurpose community facility features a bookable meeting room, enabling groups to gather, collaborate and host events, and for school groups to visit and learn about our environment.
The building also includes the Blackbutt Café by Durks, which has an undercover dining and seating area and will provide coffee, breakfast and lunch dining options, as well as picnic boxes and catering.
Blackbutt, Natural Areas and Invasive Species Manager Andrew Staniland paid tribute to the efforts of the volunteers who for many years had operated a temporary kiosk on site with the support of City of Newcastle.
"It is important to recognise the tireless effort of the many volunteers and council staff that have ensured the operation of the kiosk, which started with humble beginnings in a replica pioneer hut," Mr Staniland said.
"It is through this legacy that the current multipurpose community facility was built and we are forever grateful to those who made the kiosk a major part of a visit to Blackbutt."
The community is invited to celebrate the opening of the facility at a community fun day from 10am-1pm on Saturday 21 June, featuring live music, Ranger-hosted critter encounters, family entertainment, facepainting as well as special offers at the new cafe.
