Building demo makes way for West End cycling link

A long-envisioned pathway connecting King and Hunter Streets is set to be revealed when City of Newcastle demolishes two vacant buildings on Monday.

The cycling and pedestrian link requires demolition of two vacant properties at 679A and 681 Hunter Street with developers of the Verve apartments on King Street to deliver the first stage of the shared pathway along Cottage Creek, which will eventually connect The Junction to the Harbour.

Below: An artist's impression of how Cottage Creek could look:
Credit: Visualisation - Binyan Studios, Architects in Collaboration - CKDS Architecture and Hill Thalis Architecture & Urban Projects, Developers - BLOC

“Newcastle’s West End is quickly emerging as the City’s new CBD with integrated transport, new residential development on King Street and at Honeysuckle and the upcoming relocation of government agencies to the under-construction Store redevelopment,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

“These are all signs of the exciting times ahead for this part of the city and, and our plans to improve cycling and pedestrian connections are integral to helping people enjoy living, working and shopping in the West End and elsewhere across the city.

“As the Verve Residences on King Street near completion, we’re about to proceed with this vision via a planning agreement with the developer to build the first stage of the shared pathway.

“Ultimately, a corridor linking King Street and Hunter Street through to Honeysuckle and potentially through to The Junction will be of great benefit for the West End by linking key precincts and creating a vibrant public space.”

Council purchased the buildings from Hunter Water for $550,000 in 2017 as part of its strategic plans.

Approval for demolition was obtained in April 2018 following a development application process that included a heritage assessment which identified low levels of significance of the buildings, which are not listed heritage items.