Funding for park upgrade and housing initiative

Published on 17 August 2022

The Duke of Cornwall Park will receive a major upgrade after Council received $1.4 million in funding through the NSW Regional Housing Fund.

The $30 million program offers funding to deliver infrastructure and open space projects that directly support the delivery of new housing supply.

The park upgrade will include a new inclusive amenities block, new shelters, resurfacing and new fencing for tennis courts, installation of smart bins, and the installation of a half-court basketball court.

Council's General Manager, Jay Nankivell, said the upgrades would further boost the city's liveability.

"It's important that we provide improved facilities to the community to complement the population growth that is expected in the years to come," said Mr Nankivell.

"Mayor Kennedy and the Council have made it a priority to increase the city's liveability and this upgrade will be a significant step in that direction.

“We wish to thank the NSW Government for their ongoing support for our community.”

The funding will also be used to subdivide a piece of Council land near the Aquatic Centre to construct new medium-density housing.

"Early indicators from our recent housing audit show that there is a demand for medium density housing locally, however there is very little available in Broken Hill," he said.

"I think we're seeing a shift where a lot of working professionals don't necessarily want a large block or yard to maintain, so it will be interesting to see the uptake on these medium density dwellings.

"If it shows there is appetite for this type of housing it could potentially be a good indicator for the market, and also allow land owners and developers to do much more with the land currently available."

Council is expected to partner with another body for the construction of the new housing, and work in partnership with developers of an adjacent block to supply power and water utilities to the area.