A new heritage
trail would guide visitors through West Wallsend’s rich history, cycleways
would link to nearby networks and trees would line key streets under a new
blueprint for the suburb.
The draft West
Wallsend Master Plan will guide Council's public investment over the next 10-15 years, aiming to revitalise public spaces in West Wallsend’s town centre by using heritage as a key point of difference.
West Wallsend’s coal mining history dates back to 1888, when the first coal was extracted from West Wallsend No.1 Colliery.
By 1910, when a steam tram service commenced, the town was home to 6000 residents, two schools, a railway station and at least five hotels.
“West Wallsend
is unique in Lake Macquarie for its location, its concentration of heritage
buildings and its importance in our region’s mining history,” Lake Macquarie City
Council Principal Strategic Planner Iain Moore said.
“Capitalising
on these attributes will help the suburb thrive in years to come.”
Council was
awarded a $100,000 NSW Government grant in 2018 under its Heritage Near Me
program to help develop the Master Plan.
The plan includes a number of potential projects, including a central community park and facilities, a ‘Golden Mile’
heritage interpretive trail and restored heritage assets.
Other potential
improvements outlined in the Master Plan include:
·
New on and off-road cycleway linking with key
facilities and surrounding networks
·
Street trees on all roads within the central
precinct
·
Upgraded pedestrian infrastructure to connect
with community facilities
·
Speed limits reduced and measures put in place
to increase pedestrian safety.
The draft West Wallsend Master Plan is on public exhibition until 7 July at shape.lakemac.com.au/west-wallsend.
The community can provide feedback by completing an online survey or commenting on an interactive map.
The community can provide feedback by completing an online survey or commenting on an interactive map.
Carrington Street in 1920
Withers Street in 1910
Withers Street Today
Northumberland Hotel in 1940
Northumberland Hotel Today
