The artificial turf surface would go in at field one at the home of the Bathurst District Football Association under the ambitious three-stage masterplan proposal for the park.

The details of the initiative – which includes redeveloping the grandstand and resealing the main car parking area – are contained in a report to Bathurst Regional Council.

Stage one would include the new $1.1 million artificial turf field and the $540,000 sealing of the main car park.

It is envisaged 11 fields would be added to the nine full size grounds at the complex at a cost of about $700,000 under stage two.

This stage would require the purchase of 17.6 hectares of adjacent land owned by Catholic Health Care. The estimated cost of the acquisition would be around $560,000.

Stage two would also include another amenities and change room block ($600,000) and additional car parking area ($380,000).

Stage three would be the $3 million development of the main grandstand, capable of seating 1000 fans, mounds for more spectators at the number one field ($500,000) and a $37,500 security fence around the complex.

“The Proctor Park Precinct is Bathurst’s only soccer facility which is administered under the banner of the Bathurst District Football Association,” the report to council states.

“The precinct is utilised by numerous clubs for various competition events. In addition there are a number of major pre-season carnivals held at the complex which require the use of all fields as early as February each year.

“Although council has provided various improvements to the Proctor Park Precinct over the past 10 years, it is believed that due to the continuing growth of football in Bathurst and the high level of usage demand being placed on the facility, significant major upgrades and improvements will need to be considered within the near future.”

Council, in conjunction with the various local football clubs, started investigations in 2008 into the development of the Proctor Park/Police Padd-ock precinct as a central soccer complex for the city.

Out of those discussions has come the draft masterplan for the precinct.