New 30,000 Cap Venue Announced

The growing suburb of Morisset, Lake Macquarie, is on the verge of holding 30,000 punters thanks to the approval of a new music venue in the region.

According to a news report from NBN News last night, “the largest amphitheatre in Australia” and the Asia Pacific was witnessed in all its glory – the outdoor venue in the preparation for building stages. The news report also showcased artist impressions that hold 30,000 people witnessing stadium-level acts, as well as the capacity to host arena-level concerts.

The event site is a $135 million development by the Cedar Mill Group at the old Morisset golf course. The crane is moving in next week to set up the shell/half-dome stage centrepiece, with the venue looking to rival Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium with its built-for-purpose staging and rigging.

This new venue has the punter in mind – audio/visual great from wherever you view it, and just 500 metres from the Morisset train station, with proximity to the M1 another positive. NBN News reports that the Cedar Mill Group is looking to hire 500 people for the venue’s big shows, with music promoters already reportedly looking to book their acts for late 2025.

Check out the NBN News report here.         

NBN News isn’t the first media organisation to cover the new venue, with The Music Network reporting that the Lake Macquarie City Council greenlit the space in February 2022.

The Morisset site is another one of Cedar Mill Group’s projects due to open in New South Wales.

Earlier this year, The Music reported on the upcoming, permanent developments set in prime locations: The Domain in Sydney’s CBD, The Crescent in Parramatta Park, and Thompsons Creek Regional Parkland in Bradfield.

Cedar Mill Group, Business Sydney and Business Western Sydney have mapped out the case for “Greater Entertainment for Greater Sydney: Permanent Performance Shells in Sydney’s Iconic Parklands,” with the proposal promising to “revitalise Sydney’s outdoor entertainment sector, bringing over 2,300 permanent jobs and $450 million to its economy every year.”

In Australia alone, we already have permanent outdoor pavilions such as Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl and Riverstage in Brisbane, both beloved by international and local artists. The Sydney proposed shells “can fill a venue void between theatres and their capacity for up to 2,000 people, and arenas that can hold more than 20,000.”

In a statement, Cedar Mill Group added, “Permanent performance shells are acoustical, high-tech sound shell structures designed to improve the sound and clarity of performances, enhancing both the performers' and patrons’ experience.”

The new venues – including in Morisset – are set to enhance the state’s economic, cultural and community benefits by hosting gigs, festivals, movie screenings, community events and performing arts shows.