Wickham Project begins with street upgrades

Wickham's streets and footpaths will be overhauled as part of a suite of projects to transform the suburb into a mixed-use neighbourhood supporting Newcastle West's future commercial core.

Work to overhaul local footpaths and kerb and guttering begin this month as a precursor to the grand vision for the former industrial suburb, which is outlined in the Wickham Masterplan currently on public exhibition.

Road works by Council over the next two years will improve pedestrian and traffic flow around the Newcastle Interchange and help cater for an expected influx of residents, workers and commuters.

The roadworks and Masterplan are part of the Wickham Project.

Upcoming roadworks feature:

• STAGE ONE: Partial kerb and gutter replacement in Station Street between Union Street and Railyway Street. Reconstruction of the footpath in Station Street from Railway Street to Union Street.
• STAGE TWO: Footpath replacement and kerb and gutter works in Charles Street at Station Street. Construction of new footpath in Station Street from Union Street to Charles Street. Resurfacing of Station Street.
• STAGE THREE: Rehabilitating footpaths, kerb and gutter and ramps on Union Street between Throsby and Station streets.
• STAGE FOUR: Roundabout at Railway and Albert intersection plus renewal of ageing assets and improvements to safety, function and aesthetics.

"Wickham's once semi-industrial area on the city's fringe is giving way to a mixed-use urban neighbourhood supporting the emerging commercial core within Newcastle West," Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

"The area is experiencing increased investor interest and new developments, and we are beginning to carry out the bread-and-butter street work to kick off the suburb's exciting transformation.

"Residents and interested parties are invited to find out more and raise any concerns they may have at Wednesday's information sessions."

The Wickham Project also includes a local area traffic management plan to provide a safer environment and improved residential amenity by determining the appropriate roads for local traffic and heavy vehicles.

The traffic management plan is open for public comment until Wednesday 21 June.

Council has also prepared a paper outlining how to protect the suburb from flooding.

The draft position paper -- on public exhibition until the end of May -- explores options to mitigate the effects of floods in low-lying Wickham, Carrington, Maryville and Islington.

Wickham Master Plan

The Wickham Master Plan is the result of extensive consultation by Newcastle City Council throughout 2016.

The draft Master Plan outlines the future character of the area and establishes various strategies to guide future redevelopment, public domain and infrastructure plans and works.

Hard copies can be viewed at the City Administration Centre, City Library and Hamilton Library or online here