New Honeysuckle Hotel Gains DA Approval

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A $41 million hotel is set to undergo construction on Honeysuckle Drive, following the approval of Doma Group's development application.

The Little National Hotel on 42 Honeysuckle Drive will have a capacity of 140 rooms, with 50 residential apartments attached and 250 parking spaces.

It's hoped to create 60 ongoing jobs and others during the building process.

The Hunter Development Corporation is welcoming the milestone as proof of growing confidence in a revitalised Newcastle CBD.

Chief Operating Officer, Valentina Misevska said the city is in need of more accommodation options.

"Newcastle does need more hotel rooms, and if HDC can create these development opportunities, we're helping the city attract more visitors and business," Ms Misevska said, "ultimately that means we're supporting more jobs."

The hotel comes alongside public domain works near Cottage Creek and the western Honeysuckle area.

Not bare for long: 42 Honeysuckle Drive will be home to an impressive hotel. 

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.