Cruise ship passengers will soon get a first class welcome when they arrive in Newcastle.
The long-awaited concept designs for the Newcastle Cruise Terminal were released this morning.
The $12.7 million terminal will be built at the Channel Berth where passengers will be able to see harbour views and more easily move around, while the position in the harbour will allow for bigger cruise ships to visit Newcastle more often.
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| The design is influenced by Newcastle's working harbour. Image supplied. |
"The tenders for the lead construction firm open today and a principal contractor will be appointed early in the new year. So we are pushing pretty hard to make sure we meet that deadline and to also ensure we deliver the cruise terminal by the end of next year," said Geoff.
It's estimated that already cruise shipping in Newcastle injects around $11 million per annum into the local economy. Once finished, its expected the number will jump to around $26.7 million.
"As Novocastrians, we are proud of the contribution the port makes to the region's economy and this project will provide a welcome boost to businesses throughout the Hunter," said Geoff.
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| Image supplied. |
The purpose-built facility will stretch over 3,000m2 and include facilities for passenger drop-off and pick up, coach parking and vessel provisioning.
It will give passengers a more professional experience as well. Geoff said it will be good-bye to the white marquee which goes up whenever a cruise ship pulls into the Port.
"I think most people are getting a bit tired of the white marquee go up and down. It's done a very good job for a number of years but the cruise terminal will replace the white marquee and it will give us a permanent, professional visiting experience for our passengers visiting the Port."
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| Image supplied. |
