Next steps in planning for Wickham’s urban renewal

City of Newcastle is delivering on its commitments to good urban planning in Wickham, with a community infrastructure contribution planning proposal and updates to the City’s development control plan adopted by the elected Council on Tuesday night.

The updated planning documents reflect the Wickham Masterplan (2021), which was developed in a collaborative approach with the Wickham community and local landowners. The proposed changes to the Development Control Plan (DCP) incorporate revised mapping, height limits, updated character statements, and new upper-level setback controls, which protect the Village Hub, while allowing for the balanced growth of the suburb.

The documents will be formally exhibited with the planning proposal to be submitted to the Department of Planning and Environment for Gateway Determination, ahead of public exhibition with the accompanying DCP for further community feedback.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the planning proposal and proposed amendments to the DCP better reflect the shared vision for delivering urban renewal within Wickham.

“This is good news for residents and the community of Wickham who have been involved in the planning of Wickham’s transformation from the very start,” Cr Clausen said.

“Creating greater community infrastructure to support Wickham’s growing population while maintaining its inner-city suburban character by protecting the Village Hub are important parts of our vision for Wickham which also includes enhanced and better connected green spaces, footpaths, and cycleways.”

The DCP will be amended to reflect the Community Infrastructure Incentives Policy, which was adopted by Council in July 2021, and the Wickham Masterplan (2021) adopted in September 2021.

“Throughout the planning process, Wickham’s identity is continuing to evolve and take shape, as the suburb transitions from a semi-industrial suburban area into a thriving urban neighbourhood that supports the revitalisation of Newcastle’s West End,” Cr Clausen said.

“The Wickham Masterplan supports the strategic relocation of Newcastle's city centre to Newcastle’s West End under its urban renewal strategy, harnessing its proximity to public transport, the CBD, harbour and green spaces.”

City of Newcastle Manager Regulatory, Planning and Assessment Michelle Bisson said the community’s future enjoyment of Wickham is at the centre of planning decisions.

“City of Newcastle is ready to progress Wickham to the next stages in the planning pathway,” Ms Bisson said.

“It is great to see that the Wickham Masterplan is progressing, and we look forward to receiving community feedback on the proposed amendments."