Broadmeadow, New South Wales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BroadmeadowNewcastle, New South Wales |
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 Broadmeadow
Location in Newcastle, Australia
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| Population | 1,592 (2016 census) | ||||||||||||||
| • Density | 800/km2 (2,100/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Established | 1880s | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 2292 | ||||||||||||||
| Elevation | 10 m (33 ft) | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 2 km2 (0.8 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Location |
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| LGA(s) | City of Newcastle | ||||||||||||||
| Parish | Newcastle | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Newcastle | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Newcastle | ||||||||||||||
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Broadmeadow is a suburb located right in the middle of Newcastle city in Australia. It's a busy place, especially around an area called "Nineways." In 2016, about 1,600 people lived here.
Contents
History of Broadmeadow
How Broadmeadow Started
Broadmeadow was once a large open area used for grazing animals. It was part of the Newcastle Pasturage Reserve. The area began to grow in the 1880s. This happened when the Great Northern Railway was built. Also, a new road to Newcastle's western suburbs helped it develop.
The "Nineways" is a very important intersection in Broadmeadow. It was originally a big roundabout with nine roads or tram lines meeting there. Later, it was changed to have traffic lights and fewer roads.
A famous building called the Century Theatre used to stand at Nineways. It was a huge theatre with seating for 1,600 people. It was a top spot in Newcastle for movies and live shows. Sadly, it closed in the 1970s because more people started watching TV. The theatre was taken down after the 1989 Newcastle earthquake.
Broadmeadow's Railways
The Broadmeadow railway station is very close by. It was once thought of as a possible main train hub for Newcastle. This was before the Newcastle Interchange was built.
Between the Adamstown and Broadmeadow stations, there is a large area for sorting trains. This area opened in 1938. Next to it was the Broadmeadow Locomotive Depot. This was a huge place for steam trains. It was one of the biggest in the state. It even served the last steam trains in New South Wales in 1973. Later, it was used for diesel trains until it closed in 1994.
Things to Do in Broadmeadow
Broadmeadow has some great facilities for students and entertainment.
Schools in Broadmeadow
There are two high schools in Broadmeadow. The Hunter School of Performing Arts is for students who are talented in performing arts. You need to pass an audition to get in. The other school is Merewether High School. This is a special school for students who are very good at academics. It's the only one of its kind in the Newcastle area.
Entertainment and Sports
Broadmeadow is home to the Newcastle Regional Showground. This is where the annual Newcastle Show takes place. The showground also has the Newcastle Entertainment Centre. This big venue hosts concerts, sports events, and other large performances. The Hunter Pirates basketball team used to play their home games here.
District Park in Broadmeadow is where the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service has been based since 1973. This service helps people in emergencies.
You can also find the Broadmeadow Racecourse here. It's a place where horse races are held.
Shopping in Broadmeadow
The Broadmeadow Shopping Centre has a large Ritchies Supa IGA supermarket. It also has about ten other smaller shops.
Who Lives in Broadmeadow?
In 2016, there were 1,592 people living in Broadmeadow. Most people, about 83%, were born in Australia. Also, about 84% of people spoke only English at home.
Historic Places
Broadmeadow has some places that are important for their history. These include:
- Premiers and Railway Commissioners Rail Car Collection
- Main Northern railway: Broadmeadow Railway Locomotive Depot
