Friday 20 April 2018

Doma Group to transform The Store

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

The future of Newcastle West's The Store has been unveiled today as the NSW Government announces details of a $200-million-dollar plan.

Doma Group will carry out the revitalisation, which will see the erection of two 90 metre residential towers, 13,000 square metres of standalone office space and retail offerings to sit alongside the Newcastle Transport Interchange.

NSW Transport and Infrastructure Minister, Andrew Constance visited The Store to make the announcement today, and said there's an enormous amount of development transforming the city's west end.

"The plan shows how innovative, quality design seamlessly integrated the site with the existing Newcastle Interchange," he said, "and uses quality architecture that is arguably as impressive as the recent NeW Space and Courthouse developments."

"The design also allows for the expansion of light rail, which means we are future-proofing the site."

Andrew Constance said there are also plans to build a coach interchange, as the "eyesore" old carpark is removed. 

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the development. 

"It doesn't happen easily and it doesn't happen overnight. There's been significant collaboration..." 

She said today's announcement represents the culmination of a long-term vision to bring the CBD into the West end of town and raise building heights to 90 metres. 

The NSW Government purchased The Store site in 2015 with the intention of transforming it into essential transport infrastructure. 

Architect's vision of the future space. 
 
Tired: The Store at present.