Newcastle City Council has given the green light to rezoning the former heavy rail corridor.
Greens Councillor, John Mackenzie was the only councillor to speak on the issue at last night's meeting who argued there was no evidence the land would not be needed for future transport needs and questioned the objectivity of 137 submissions in support of the rezoning.
The decision clears the way for a mix of open space, university buildings and residential and commercial buildings along the corridor between Worth Place and Watt Street.
Hunter Development Corporation CEO, Michael Cassel has welcomed the decision.
“Newcastle is undergoing enormous change and Council is embracing this in its decision making to realise its vision of a smart, liveable and sustainable city. These decisions are not always popular and often they are difficult, but they are essential to creating an activated city that attracts people, tourism, jobs and enhances liveability,” he said.
He also stressed that any proposed building on the corridor after it's rezoned would be subject to the usual development approvals process which includes imput from the community.
The rezoning application will now be submitted to the NSW Depart of Planning and Environment for consideration.
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| The Newcastle Rail Corridor At Market Street Before and After With An Artist's Impression Of What It Could Look Like Picture: the herald.com.au |
