Carrington upgrade hailed in park celebration

City of Newcastle and the local community have celebrated the revitalisation of Carrington following a $3 million upgrade of its local centre.

Dramatic infrastructure improvements - to roads, pathways and parking - along Young Street and the addition of street trees, bike racks and bins will be followed by the installation of a smart bus shelter that will provide free Wi-Fi coverage.

The local centre overhaul was marked by the City staff and locals in Jubilee Park this morning.

The Lord Mayor opening the upgraded Carrington Local Town Centre with the help of City staff, locals and students

(L-R) Laila Michelini, 6, and sister Allegra Michelini, 8, perform at this morning's open day

“I’m proud to say that after more than 12 months of construction, Young Street is looking brand new and has been future proofed with new drainage and infrastructure to improve the amenity of the Carrington Local Centre," Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

"The City continues to deliver on our vision for city-wide urban renewal, setting the direction for growth and revitalisation.

"We want our city's local centres to reflect a sense of place and local character, and I’m particularly pleased with finishing touches like the stone inlays celebrating Carrington’s heritage.

"Planning for this project included extensive community consultation on all aspects of the upgrades, including the choice of Brushbox and Tuckeroo street trees and the provision of more designated on street car parking.”

“We have also chosen best practise drainage solutions tailored to the area, including permeable paving and rain gardens.”

Max Weinhold, 3, enjoying the jumping castle at Jubilee Park, Carrington

Patrick Burgess, Sarah Horan and Chris Martin take a stroll across the revitalised Young Street

The City consulted with locals to hear their ideas and ensure their feedback was incorporated into the public domain plan for the area.

The Young St Carrington renewal project included:

• Drainage renewal
• Permeable paving to improve stormwater capacity
• Water sensitive urban design
• New site appropriate street trees
• Pedestrian-friendly street design
• Existing street furniture retained where possible, and new bike racks and bins
• New kerb, gutter and footpath
• Renewed road surface
• Road and pedestrian lighting upgrade
• Improved pedestrian crossings at both ends