CAN Morisset Showground help replace Morisset Country Club as the new social, entertainment and recreational hub of the town?
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That's the question some locals are asking in the wake of the country club closure on May 26.
Lake Macquarie City Council now manages the showground.
It is talking up the potential of the venue.
"The Morisset Showground is a wonderful facility for Morisset and council is very excited about the future use of this facility and the opportunities that it presents for the local community," a council spokesperson said.
The showground is on crown reserve land categorised for use as "public recreation and showground".
That means council isn't permitted to build a licensed club on the site - even if it wanted to.
But the showground has plenty going for it.
It has a rugby league field, a main arena, pavilions, camping sites, parking areas, and space for new facilities.
It also has the former Morisset speedway track, now used for training trotters, which could potentially be restored for its original purpose.
And all within easy walking distance of Morisset Station and the heart of town.
It remains to be seen whether or not the closure of the country club, and the subsequent loss of live music and other drawcards once offered by the club, will influence the thinking of the newly appointed showground operating committee.
"The Morisset Showground community operating committee has now been formally appointed, and alongside council staff will look at new opportunities for groups or organisations who may be interested in using the facility for events, activities, expos and more," the spokesperson said.
"Council will commence development of a plan of management and masterplan for the showground later in 2019, which will guide any future development of the site.
"It is important to council that the city offers the full range of facilities and infrastructure required to provide a vibrant lifestyle for our residents," the spokesperson said.
"Both public and private investment is needed to deliver these facilities and infrastructure."
Council said locals would continue to see a range of improvements and additions to Morisset.
"Council continues to invest in the Morisset area, including through road improvements along Macquarie Street, recreation upgrades such as Bernie Goodwin Reserve, and community facility projects such as Morisset skate park."
The development of a town square with community and function facilities would be integral to the planned Morisset town hub, the council said.
"Council has developed a master plan and draft concept designs for a new library and community facility for the Morisset town hub, and we continue to pursue grant funding to help us bring this project to life."
More than 12,000 people attended Morisset Show, at the showground, over the weekend of February 9 and 10.
