Weston Bears Park

Weston Bears Park, located in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, is home to the historic Weston Bears Football Club, whose roots date back to 1907. The park is heavily used for football activities, including Premier League matches, training sessions, and community sport programs.

To ensure the facility continues to meet the needs of players, officials, and spectators, Cessnock City Council initiated a major redevelopment as part of its long-term investment in community sporting infrastructure. Guided by the Weston Bears Park Masterplan adopted in 2020, the project focuses on delivering modern, inclusive, and accessible facilities that support the continued growth of local sport.

The multi-million-dollar upgrade includes refurbishment of the existing grandstand to incorporate a new clubroom, canteen, office, and members’ space, alongside the construction of new team changerooms, referee facilities, and a gym. Additional improvements include upgraded spectator amenities, enhanced accessibility, and new parking and landscaping works.

The project has been many years in the making, with the master plan developed through collaboration between the club, Cessnock City Council, and government funding partners to deliver a long-term vision for the facility.

Project Brief

“This project has been in development for around 10 to 15 years in collaboration with Cessnock City Council and the Federal Government. We’ve been fortunate to secure funding through two grants which has helped make this vision a reality” said Rob Henderson – President, Weston Bears Football Club.

Key Challenges

The redevelopment required amenity solutions capable of supporting the high usage associated with a premier regional football venue.

Changerooms needed to accommodate multiple teams and officials while maintaining durability, privacy, and ease of maintenance. Wet-area environments within team and referee facilities demanded materials that could withstand heavy wear, moisture, and frequent cleaning without compromising long-term performance.
The upgraded amenities also needed to support the increasing participation of women and girls in sport, requiring accessible and inclusive facilities designed for long-term community use.
In addition, the project required a cohesive design that complemented the broader architectural upgrade of the pavilion and grandstand while maintaining practical functionality for athletes, referees, and spectators. Highly customisable amenity systems were also required to allow the club’s heritage to be reflected throughout the facility.

Duracube Solution

To meet these requirements, DuraCube supplied and installed its Floor Mounted Ceiling Fixed (FCF) partitioning systems throughout the changeroom and amenity areas in DuraSafe 5003 Philippine Teak.Constructed from 13mm DuraSafe compact laminate, the system delivers exceptional durability and moisture resistance, making it ideal for high-traffic sporting environments.

Standard and ambulant cubicles were fitted with inward-swinging doors and Viva black hardware, including lift-off hinges, coat hooks, bumpers, and vacant/engaged indicators to support accessibility and ease of use.

Across the changeroom and shower areas, compact laminate shower seats were installed to improve accessibility and user comfort. Additional DuraCube elements included custom vanity benches, providing durable surfaces designed for recessed basins in high-use environments.

To further enhance player facilities, bench seating systems with overhead storage shelves were installed throughout the changerooms. DuraCube’s new player locker systems, featuring integrated bench seating were also incorporated within the home changerooms, delivering secure storage and practical gear organisation while maintaining a cohesive design across the upgraded facility.

The Weston Bears Facility Upgrade delivers modern, accessible, and durable amenities that support the continued growth of football in the region.

Reflecting on the project during our interview, Rob Henderson shared:

“Our goal was to create a facility that is accessible to everyone. Previously, we didn’t have dedicated female amenities, so the new development ensures we now have facilities that cater to both male and female participants, as well as individuals with disabilities. The addition of individual cubicles in both the home and away changerooms has been a significant improvement, and the feedback from players, staff, and the broader community has been fantastic. This is now a facility that truly stands out in the region and allows us to host not only football matches but also a range of community events.”

DuraCube’s systems provide long-lasting performance within high-use changeroom and wet-area environments while contributing to a cohesive and contemporary facility design.Weston Bears Park now offers improved comfort and functionality for players, referees, and spectators alike, reinforcing the venue’s role as a key sporting and community hub within the Hunter Region.