Fencing has gone up around the well used brick clubhouse at the heart of the sports complex, home to a number of Nelson Bay sports clubs, and will be demolished to pave the way for a modern and accessible building.

"The new facility will feature accessible amenities, change rooms, storage rooms, canteen, a multipurpose room for training and events, a meeting room for sporting clubs and youth services, referee's rooms and a first aid room," Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said.

"But this is so much more than an amenities building. As well as catering to our sporting community, the new multi-purpose facility will create spaces for young people to connect with each other and valuable services.

"The space will also help us attract more events and visitors to the region, which will have positive economic benefits for our community and local businesses. Thousands of people attend events at the complex every year and we anticipate that number will grow with better facilities."

More than 2000 registered players use the Tomaree Sports Complex for cricket, touch football, soccer and AFL.

Port Stephens Council, the NSW Governments Stronger Country Communities fund, club and grant money from the Nelson Bay soccer, touch football and cricket clubs have contributed to the cost of the project, which was labelled a key infrastructure priority when the Tomaree Sports Complex Master Plan was released in 2018.

Construction is expected to be completed in February 2022.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: