Wallsend set for transformation as flood mitigation works surge ahead

A multi-million dollar program of work is underway in Wallsend with City of Newcastle commencing a series of projects to improve public amenity and the suburb’s resilience to floods.

The transformation will see significant streetscape upgrades, free Wi-Fi in the town centre and improved pedestrian and cycle routes developed.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said a major piece of this plan has recently hit a milestone with the $3.3 million Tyrrell Street Bridge nearing completion.

“This week we’ve reached a major milestone with work commencing on the upper deck of the bridge,” the Lord Mayor said.

“The project has involved the demolition of the former smaller and lower structure to construct a two-span, two-lane concrete plank road bridge, allowing more water to flow through Hunter Water’s drain during storm events.

“The Wallsend community has been hit hard on a number of occasions during the past decade from flash flooding. This is why we prioritised this $3.3 million project in what is a long term, generational change project in Wallsend.”

The Lord Mayor said the Tyrrell Street Bridge project was just one part of an extensive plan to revitalise Wallsend.

“A long-term vision for the renewal of the Wallsend local centre is starting to take place following the adoption of the Wallsend Local Centre Public Domain and Traffic Plan,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The plan aims to increase safety for pedestrians, cyclists and traffic as well as improve amenity, accessibility and connectivity for the community.

“We’ll be having a conversation with the community about how the plan takes shape and what the ideal future for Wallsend looks like including heritage preservation, more seating and shade, greener streets, public access to technology like Wi-Fi and more connected cycleways.

“We’ll also be restoring aging infrastructure including roads, footpaths, lighting and drainage throughout the town centre.”

“Wallsend’s flood mitigation project and public domain plan form one long term vision to allow the town centre to thrive as the population grows in our western suburbs.”

Further engagement with the Wallsend community will be undertaken in the first half of 2020 to refine the Wallsend Masterplan at key locations.