Parramatta’s first premier cricket facility and turf wicket is on its way, following the delivery of a $6.2 million Federal Government grant towards stage one of the Belmore Park masterplan.
Funding will go towards upgrades to Richie Benaud Oval in North Parramatta, including the construction of the area’s first and only turf wicket, three fenced synthetic practice wickets, a public amenity building, loop path, fencing, lighting and an electronic scoreboard.
Announced in 2022 by Federal Member for Parramatta Andrew Charlton, the funding will be combined with an additional $3.2 million by City of Parramatta and delivered in partnership with the Australian Government.
“Parramatta has given Australia some of our best cricketers and athletes,” Charlton said.
“Despite this rich lineage, our city currently has no turf cricket facilities.
“We’re finally delivering Parramatta’s first turf wicker and premier cricket facility, helping secure the future of community sport in our local area.”
Greg Monoghan, President of the Parramatta District Cricket Club, thanked everyone who has contributed to the oval’s progress so far.
“Parramatta’s amazing multicultural cricket loving community will benefit enormously from the re-development of Richie Benaud Oval,” he said.
“This quality regional facility will give our many emerging talented male and female cricketers their best opportunity to proudly represent Parramatta all the way to the top.”
Stage one of the Belmore Park masterplan is expected to be complete by late 2026, weather permitting.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.