State Government Putting Nearly $1 million Back into Newcastle

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The state government is putting nearly $1 million back into Newcastle for six community projects.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald announced the funding for the infrastructure projects which will be funded under the annual Newcastle Port Community Contribution program.

"This is a dividend that comes back to the Newcastle Port region every year, about $1 million, and it was set up when the Port was put through a long term lease so there's a return every year that goes back to the community to put towards assets, build community programs and that sort of thing," said Scot MacDonald.

The largest project to be funded from the nearly $1 million is $450,000 towards an 'active hub' in Griffith Park at South Stockton. The $1.25 million hub is set to feature a skate plaza, children's adventure playground and barbecue and picnic facilities.

Artist impression of the planned 'active hub' at Stockton.
Image Newcastle City Council

"Although this is only a short ferry ride from the Newcastle city centre, it is important to provide great facilities all around the port, not just the city side," said Scot MacDonald.

Along with money towards the hub, other projects getting some funding include:
- $135,000 for five research-based place activation initiatives by the University of Newcastle
- $365,000 for an upgrade of council-owned open space landscaping near "Wine Selectors" and Lee Wharf residential apartments in Honeysuckle to improve the link between the city adn the harbour
- $50,000 towards the Light Up Newcastle Chinese Lantern Walk in 2018 and;
- $148,000 for a public art installation at the historic Newcastle Railway Station of the "Newcastle Flyer" steam train

"I think it's important to honour the heritage and this is going towards a representation of the 'Newcastle Flyer' - that'll be a public art installation up at Newcastle Railway Station. There's no doubt that the CBD and the corridor and the Port are going through a lot of change so this is about remembering and respecting that heritage," said Scot MacDonald.

He adds all the projects will benefit both the city and the harbourside, improving the link between them and honouring the history of all of Newcastle.

"Everybody appreciates the city is going through a lot of change and the Port is seeing a lot of development but it's important that the public can access it and appreciate it and it's family friendly. I think these are really good initiatives."

Labor's parking solution for Newcastle's CBD

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle Labor is promising to ease parking pressure in the CBD by partnering with businesses and land holders to free up space for car parks.

Labor's Nuatali Nelmes, the current Lord Mayor, announced their plan yesterday which will see them work collaboratively with businesses and land owners to open up space to create car parks. They say they're not ruling out creating financial incentives to get people on board.

Should they be elected on September 9, they say the plan would work hand-in-hand with a parking app as a part of the Smarter City Strategy which will allow drivers to see what parks are available where.

There are reportedly around 11,300 car spaces in the city, and council estimates around 2,500 are vacant between midday and 2pm - council says it's because they're long term car parks.

Labor Councillor Declan Clausen says the aim is to address the imbalance between long and short term parking throughout the city and prioritise short term parking.

"If you're popping into the city just to go shopping or something like that you need to know the car parks aren't all taken up by people there for long stays or all day workers in the city and conversely it's about making sure that long term parking is also accessible and convenient and making sure there are options for people to get into and out of the city."

But Independent Mayoral candidate Kath Elliot is slamming the proposal and says the council has had a number of years to come up with a viable solution and it's laughable this is all they've come up with.

"I think we should have wifi in the city for businesses, for people, not so that we can find out when someone has overstayed their parking spot and fining them. This is a revenue raising exercise, it's not well thought out and there's no wfi to deliver it."

The Newcastle Independents believe the plan will be detrimental to the city, rather than beneficial.

"Mrs Nelmes has been in council for eight years, I find it very surprising that in the week before the election all of a sudden she has solutions to parking problems." 

Construction on Hunter Street connection underway

BY BROOKE HEINZ

A new road designed to ease traffic caused by the construction of the Newcastle light rail is set to be completed "in the coming weeks", according to Revitalising Newcastle program director Michael Cassel.

Asphalt has been laid for the roadway, which links Honeysuckle Drive and Hunter Street at Worth Place.

While the Worth Place connection will temporarily close later this year to allow for light rail construction, once reopened the road will be a permanent link between the CBD and Honeysuckle.

A second, permanent connecting roadway at Steel Street will be constructed in 2018.

New road to help ease the oncoming congestion

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Revitalising Newcastle is working to make driving around the CBD a little easier.

Construction is underway on a new road connecting Honeysuckle Drive and Hunter Street at Worth Place. The idea is that the new road will assist traffic flow in the city centre during light rail construction and when light rail is operational.

The work is due to be completed in the coming weeks.

Another road connection will be built at Steel Street next year.

Michael Cassel says "we are transforming the way people move around the city".

Image supplied.

NeW Space ready for staff

BY JESSICA ROUSE

With arguably the best view in Newcastle's CBD, the University of Newcastle's NeW Space is one step closer to being officially open for business with staff moving in on Monday.

Once the 320 staff are settled in, around 3,000 students will be moving into the building when Semester 2 begins from the Faculties of Business and Law as well as the Creative Industries.

The $95 million facility is embracing the renewal of Newcastle changing the skyline with a visually impressive building being a reflection of the city, the building's materials and the Indigenous culture of the site.

University of Newcastle Chief Operating Officer Nat McGregor says the building looks to the future with a focus on collaboration between students and staff in a close working environment.

"We call it a vertical campus, we've got a mix of student spaces and staff spaces from the floor down so it's not designed to have the students on the ground level and the staff at the top, you'll see staff and student spaces merged throughout the whole eight floors so it's going to change the way that we educate students and it's going to change the way that the staff collaborate."

Active travel and public transport has been considered and students are being strongly advised to use it to avoid the stress of trying to get a carpark in what is a busy CBD.

"We are actively encouraging staff and students to consider a range of travel options, including more sustainable modes of transport, such as walking, cycling and public transport," said Nat McGregor.

Staff are excited to get working in a fresh new building and Student Assistant Hannah Hill says not only is she excited to work there but when students see just how beautiful the building is inside and out when they start their studies.

"I think once you have a look inside and have a look at the views of Newcastle students will be excited to come here and learn which will be great."

Claire Patterson, a Student Hubs and Enquiries Officer agrees,

"Its a beautiful building, its like a lot of imaginative design, a lot of thoughts gone into it, I've heard the architects speak on a tour so that's a really nice perspective to hear from a staff point of view just being able to work in a space that gets lots of natural light and nice views and you're able to engage more with the staff, students and the community as well."

Urban Revitalisation of Newcastle stepping things up

BY TYLER FARDELL

In a major win for the revitalisation of the Newcastle city centre, NSW Premier Mike Baird has today announced big plans which will transform the CBD.

The University of Newcastle has secured two hectares of land at Honeysuckle and the adjoining former heavy-rail corridor and will work to expand its world-class research and industry facilities.

"This agreement is a game-changer for the Hunter. Not only will it significantly enhance Newcastle's CBD, it will greatly contribute to the massive construction jobs boom in the city-centre" Mr Baird said.

The developments, along with the new campus and innovation hub will ensure Newcastle becomes a highly developed and connected city.

Also announced by the Premier was a new and improved public transport network for the city, with a new time-tabling system that will link bus, ferry and light-rail timetables to ensure the best services for customers.

"Newcastle transport will guarantee better and more frequent transport options, giving Novacastrians the world-class transport they deserve".

Premier Mike Baird with Minister for Transport Andrew Constance and UON vice-chancellor Catherine McMillan