An application has been lodged to demolish Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre, four years after its controversial closure.
The NSW Office of Sport lodged plans with Lake Macquarie council to demolish and remove all land and water-based structures, decommission electrical, water and sewer services, and minor earthworks.
Once the demolition works are completed, the government intends to keep the site vacant.
It comes after the Office of Sport closed the centre in March 2019 after an Origin Energy report raised concerns about the stability of Eraring power station's ash dam in a major earthquake.
The decision raised ire within the community. A petition started by Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper to save the facility attracted more than 20,000 signatures.
The NSW government in July 2020 announced a preferred site for a new sport and recreation centre approximately one kilometre south-east of the Myuna Bay site. However Mr Piper proposed alternate land that was previously part of Morisset Hospital within the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area.
The government selected this site in 2022 and later conducted a survey of residents from Morisset and surrounding areas to understand their sport and recreational needs.
The Office of Sport said it was planning work and consultation on the scope and design of the centre.
A construction timeline will be developed following the completion of the planning and consultation processes.
The demolition DA is available for public comment until September 1 on the application tracking tool on Lake Macquarie council's website.
