Gateshead has been fortified for generations of sporting contests to come after Harold Knight Oval was heavily reinforced by Lake Macquarie City Council.
A $5.3 million upgrade project is now complete, featuring two expanded and reconfigured rectangular sports fields, upgrades to lighting and a new amenities building at the site.
The revamped venue had a fitting first foray last night, when Kahibah hosted the 2026 Northern NSW NPL season opener against Lambton Jaffas at their new home base – marking the 100-year-old club's maiden match in the top-flight.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz declared the new look Harold Knight ready for battle pre-match, cutting the ribbon before the players took to the arena.
"This facility is a well-utilised, central sporting precinct which was in need of an upgrade to adequately support Kahibah FC and the user groups that call it home," he said.
"Council is proud to facilitate upgrades like these, making sport, active recreation and social connection more accessible - and enjoyable - for all in our community."
The fields and building were funded by $1 million from the NSW Government's Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility Fund.
Improvements to fencing, irrigation, pedestrian paths, realignment of existing shared pedestrian cycleway and construction of accessible car parking areas were included in the package of works.
NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the NSW Government was committed to delivering the sporting infrastructure Lake Macquarie locals deserved.
"We know how passionate Lake Macquarie is about their sport and active recreation, so projects like the Harold Knight Oval upgrade are vitally important to ensure user groups have everything they need in a home base," he said.
"These upgrades bring the field and amenities up to modern standards, allowing grassroots clubs to grow participation across all ages and abilities right here in Gateshead."
The new car park was funded by $200,000 from the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
"The new accessible car park will ensure everyone in the community can safely and easily access the oval," Federal Member for Shortland Pat Conroy said.
"This important upgrade will enable more people to enjoy local sport, community events and open space, helping to build a more inclusive, connected community.
"This project ensures no one is left on the sidelines."
Council contributed $4.2 million toward the project.
