A new skatepark and long-term expansion are part of an ambitious vision for the park
Key points:
- Council is moving forward on plans for the design and construction of the Wollongong City Centre skatepark in MacCabe Park
- It is anticipated the tender will be awarded in October
- Council's acquisition of all properties adjoining MacCabe Park in Keira Street will allow for the future expansion of green space
- Community consultation will continue through the design phase for the skatepark and the development of the MacCabe Park Masterplan
Increased open space, a brand new skatepark, and development of a transformative Masterplan are all part of Wollongong City Council's bold vision for MacCabe Park that continues to take shape.
The recent acquisition of the final privately-owned Keira Street property on the western edge of the park comes as Council progresses plans for the construction of the new city centre skatepark and the development of the MacCabe Masterplan over the next 12 months.
The decision to build the new regional scale skatepark in the southeast corner of MacCabe Park was endorsed by Council in December last year (2025) after consultation confirmed strong community support for the proposal.
A public exhibition process found 85 per cent of more than 600 survey responses ranged from 'very happy' to 'neutral' regarding the location, with only 15 per cent 'unhappy' or 'very unhappy'. Responses were consistently positive across a diverse range of respondents ranging from 15 to 60 years of age, with feedback identifying the location as convenient, family friendly, with the potential to activate a currently under-utilised section of the park.
Further community consultation will occur through the design phase for the skatepark that comes alongside the planned demolition of the vacant Pioneer Hall. The resulting increase in open space aligns with the completion of strategic property acquisitions on Keira Street, a plan Council first resolved to pursue in 1979.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown welcomed finalisation of a long-held ambition for Council on behalf of the community, and the progression of plans for the new skatepark.
"It's been nearly fifty years since Council formally set out to purchase those properties and locking in the final piece of that puzzle is an important step to inform future planning," Cr Brown said.
"It is a process that has played out over time and that will continue, but we're pleased to be getting on with the job of delivering what the community wants in the park right now, including the new skatepark. We've long identified the need for a skatepark in the city centre and when I am out in the community, particularly in local schools, I'm constantly asked about plans for the skatepark and where they're up to.
"Through our engagement with the community we know it's something so many people, especially young people and families, are excited to see delivered. We're pleased to be able to do that while also considering longer term options for the park, including an increase in green space.
"The demolition of Pioneer Hall will achieve that in the more immediate term, while the property acquisitions will provide long-term options for the expansion of the park guided by the new Masterplan. We know this is a much-loved community asset and gathering place and we'll be consulting extensively with the community through development of that plan.
"These are the first steps in a transformative process and we look forward to working with the community to continue shaping the long-term future of the park."
It's anticipated that the tender for the design and construction of the skatepark will be awarded in October with the design process to include further engagement with local skaters and the community seeking feedback on concept designs prior to Christmas.
