Orchardtown Road, New Lambton

What's happening at Orchardtown Road?

We are improving safety and look and feel of Blackbutt Village, Orchardtown Road, New Lambton as part of our Local Centres program. Key features of our upgrade include:

• A new 40km/hr zone, making it safer for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.
• An off-road shared pedestrian and cycle path.
• A new pedestrian crossing, providing a safer link between the western car park and the shops.
• Wider footpaths, with connections to Blackbutt Reserve, Novocastrian Park and Richley Reserve.
• New public plazas to improve outdoor dining and promote activation of the centre.
• Improvements to the natural environment and increased shade with additional tree planting and ground cover, including over 100 new trees and 23 garden beds.
• Renewal of drainage, kerb, gutter, road, lighting, and street furniture.

What is the current status?

The next and final stage of works at the Orchardtown Local Centre are now underway. Works include:

• Intersection upgrades at Orchardtown Road and Carnley Avenue, to improve safety for all road users
• Two new Community Plazas on Orchardtown Road, at Myra Avenue and Carnley Avenue, to improve outdoor dining and activation opportunities 

The designs for the new Community Plazas were informed by community feedback in 2023. Thanks to everyone who had their say and helped shape these spaces. You can view the plans in more detail below.

Myra Avenue Plaza

Carnley Avenue Plaza

We will provide updates to businesses and residents in advance of work commencing in their area. As we deliver these works there will be diversions in place, and noise from machinery. Please follow the directions of signage and our team on site.

What work has already been completed?

Work we've already completed includes: 

• New footpaths and the planting of street trees on Freyberg Street and Dunkley Avenue are complete.
• Work to upgrade drainage, undertake landscaping and improve access for pedestrians and shoppers in the western car park and shopping area is now complete. Minor works also completed include further landscaping, lighting and commissioning of murals.
• The majority of the 130 new trees planned for the upgrade have been planted to improve the natural environment and increase shade in the area. 
• New smart parking sensors to collect parking occupancy and turnover data, which will assist us with future planning to better manage parking. The sensors were installed in both the Western and Eastern Car Parks in November 2024. 
• Three murals throughout Blackbutt Village, produced by Newcastle social and artistic enterprise UP&UP, with the public art adding colour to the local centre

Project information