First phase of City’s East End upgrade underway

City of Newcastle’s revitalisation of the Hunter Street Mall as a traditional high street complete with wider footpaths, cycleways and street trees is underway, with the first phase targeting the block bound by Wolfe and Perkins Streets.

The $5 million project is part of the wider East End Public Domain Plan Stage 1, which will see new paving, landscaping and public amenity improvements throughout the Hunter Street Mall.

The public domain plan was endorsed by the elected Council in 2018 and finalising detailed design involved various community engagement activities including a range of placemaking workshops throughout 2019. This helped us customise the landscape to better fit the wants and needs of businesses, residents and visitors to what will be known as the new “East End Village”.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Phase 1 is the first step in positioning the precinct as a traditional high street and attractive destination for locals and visitors.

“Newcastle’s city centre is in the midst of an amazing transformation, with new developments, retail, public space and links to the harbour,” the Lord Mayor said.

“City of Newcastle’s East End Public Domain Plan will ensure that our urban amenity in and around East End Village complements the positive changes underway in the CBD.

“Phase 1 includes upgrades which will reinstate Hunter Street as a traditional main street, improve accessibility, give cyclists dedicated space, and significantly improve lighting and smart city infrastructure.

“Public amenity will also be improved, and street trees and landscaping upgrades will create a greener city centre.”

Construction will be staged to minimise the impact on the community and local businesses.

Works will take place on Wolfe Street between May and August, Hunter Street between August and October, and finally along Perkins Street between October and December.

Phase 1 works will include a complete road renewal, provision of wider footpaths, upgrade of stormwater infrastructure, new street trees, landscaping and street furniture, and the provision of dedicated cycleways.

Effort will be made to reduce the impact on residents, businesses and visitors to East End Village with construction expected to finish next year.

This project is being delivered under the City Centre Revitalisation Program, one of Newcastle’s four Priority Projects. Visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/eastend for more information.