Newcastle Knights players and future junior Knights are one step closer to a new Centre of Excellence to call home in 2020 after breaking ground on the site on Wednesday.

Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres joined Knights CEO, Philip Gardner to turn the first sod for the $20 million Centre of Excellence at District Park, Broadmeadow

The new facility will include playing fields and will all be built on unused land locally referred to as the District Park Land.

Knights CEO Philip Gardner said this is an important day for our Club and community.

“Not only will we have a first-class facility to rival any in the game but the Centre of Excellence will provide an additional venue for local and regional community needs,” Mr Gardner said.

“It will see all our staff and players under the one roof and will ensure we have the best tools to prepare the next generation of young Knights to carry the Club forward.”

Minister Ayres said this Centre of Excellence is an important part of the NSW Government’s vision to activate the Hunter Sports and Entertainment Precinct.

“The NSW Government and the Newcastle Knights are proud to be make this Centre a reality today, after we announced the location of the facility within the precinct in May last year,” Mr Ayres said .

“As well as providing a world class rugby league training facility, the community will be able to make use of a planned 2.5-kilometre walking and cycle way around the site and outdoor gym facilities for recreational use,” said Minister Ayres.

The land will be remediated by the NSW government and Newcastle Knights as part of the project and is expected to be built and operational by 2020.