Council urged to consider alternative vision for Civic Lane redevelopment

BY JARROD MELMETH

An artist impression detailing a proposed alternative layout of the recently announced Civic Lane redevelopment has been presented in an open letter to Newcastle councillors by the Newcastle Hunter Urban Planning and Transport Alliance.

The letter addressed to all 12 councillors, the Lord Mayor and Council CEO calls on council to consider its alternative vision for Civic Lane to the one presented by the Hunter Development Corporation.

Last week HDC lodged a development application with council proposing retaining the former Civic Station building, green spaces, paving and better connectivity while only extending its width from 6m to 7m.

However, former Newcastle Councillor and Co-convener of the Alliance Therese Doyle said the lane would need to be widened to 16m to allow for footpaths on each side, parking, a one way westbound traffic lane and a two way cycle lane.

"Those businesses on Hunter Street between Civic Station and Worth Place have suffered pretty catastrophic drops in business since the construction of the light rail began along Hunter Street.

"It appears business is not going to get that much better once the light rail is operational because there will be very severe restrictions on parking and therefore restrict access of their patrons to their businesses.

Ms Doyle believes widening the lane will open up a new north-facing point of access for businesses.

"They should be able to turn their buildings around so that they face north as well as south as they have done traditionally onto Hunter Street," Ms Doyle said.

Hunter Development Corporation plan artist impression.

Newcastle Hunter Urban Planning and Transport Alliance proposal
artist impression.

Job Growth in Newcastle without the Mining Boom

BY JESSICA ROUSE

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says the Hunter's job growth isn't thanks to a mining boom, but rather her government's infrastructure spend in the region.

The State Government's $650 million investment in the city for infastructure has doubled the number of jobs throughout the region.

The latest stats from the Hunter Research Foundation Centre mirror the numbers showing the Hunter had an annual growth of 7.4 per cent when it comes to full time jobs in the region.

Gladys Berejiklian says in the past 2 1/2 years alone 37,000 jobs have been created.

"We are for the first time having a boom in Newcastle and the Hunter without a mining boom. This is the first time Newcastle has been able to stand on its own without going through a mining boom. I'm so proud of that,"

"This is the first time in Newcastle's history where Newcastle hasn't had to depend on the mining boo to get ahead."

Premier Gladys Berejiklian in Newcastle yesterday. Image David Threlfo Twitter.

 "We've seen at least $2 billion in private investment coming off the back of the government's contribution and that's resulting in a whole range of construction jobs, engineering, tradies, it's hard to find people to work for us up here because there's so much going on which a good challenge to have," said Premier Berejiklian.

The Premier also said the big infrastructure spend has triggered big events in the region such as the inaugural Newcastle 500 Supercars event in November and big sporting games which is all only going to increase as the city moves into the future.

"We're really thrilled that that's what holds the future of Newcastle. It's a multiplicity of jobs, multiple sectors growing and that's what we want to see. I don't want to see people have to jump on a train every morning and travel long distances because they want to get the job of their dreams,"

"I want people to get the jobs of their dreams in Newcastle, and that's the future we're building," said Premier Berejiklian.

EARLIER:

It's all About Building for the Future: Premier Berejiklian Thrilled with Newcastle Interchange

It's all About Building for the Future: Premier Berejiklian Thrilled with Newcastle Interchange

BY JESSICA ROUSE

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says she's absolutely thrilled with the Newcastle Interchange and the progress the light rail project is making.

The Premier is in Newcastle today to present the political outlook for the Hunter at the Property Council's final lunch of the year, and while she was here she also inspected the progress on the $650 million-plus investment the government has made in Revitalising Newcastle.

Since the Revitalising Newcastle program started, the city's population has grown by 4.6 per cent and employment has increased as well, up 9 per cent.

Private investment has jumped too, with the project triggering $2 billion.

Revitalising Newcastle's Michael Cassell, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot
MacDonald, and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

Premier Berejiklian said despite all of the hassles along the way, she's thrilled the government stuck to their guns and delivered.

"I remember people were complaining to me about why are you building the light rail and now people are saying we want an increased network, we want you to further increase the network so I remember at the time getting absolute criticism for announcing the light rail project,"

"I'm glad we stuck to our guns. It's going to be fantastic for Newcastle , but also the broader region. This is all about building for the future."

"I've learnt one thing about Newcastle, there is a minority of people that don't want to see things change because they've got vested interests, the vast majority of people want to see Newcastle move ahead and that's who we're batting for, those people who are invested in the future, invested in giving kids a go here in Newcastle and making sure Newcastle has the opportunity to become an even greater city - it is a great place already to live and work."

The Premier defended the cost of the light rail project after reports today suggested it was double the cost of similar projects across the state.

"There's no point taking down all of the wires from the heavy rail if you weren't going to do this, and I've heard some unfair criticism about the light rail project costing a bit more than other projects, that's because other projects have wire at the top of them like Canberra. We've chosen to make this wireless because we're preparing this for the future," said Premier Berejiklian.   

Image David Threlfo Twitter.

Light Rail On Track To Be Laid Over The Weekend

BY MATT JOHNSTON

Following the arrival of 12 kilometres of light rail track in Newcastle last Thursday, preparations are underway to have the track laid by the beginning of next week.A track slab will be poured at the intersection of Hunter and Merewether streets on the weekend, followed by the installation of the first tracks in the embattled project.

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance is claiming this as an important milestone for the project. He's praised the team involved with the project for their hard work trying to maintain the works schedule. He says "it's all systems go" down at the site.

Mr Constance is claiming it as a win for the Berejiklian government, saying they're determined to just "[get] on with the job".

"It'll be a project that progresses very quickly, and at the end of the day,  the city is going to get a fantastic light rail project that is going to transform the community."

The work is "tracking along nicely", and although nothing can be guaranteed, Mr Constance is confident the rest of the light rail work will be delivered on time. He says this will not only benefit the wider community, but also the businesses that have seen a downturn in profit as a result of construction.

Both the Andrew Constance and Michael Cassel, program director for Revitalising Newcastle, are urging people to support the affected businesses. To show Novocastrains the CBD is still open for business, Revitalising Newcastle will be hosting a Christmas program that features rides and Christmas displays in Wheeler Place, story readings at Newcastle Museum, a treasure hunt, and Santa photos.

For more details, visit the Revitalising Newcastle calendar.

Photo credit: Revitalising Newcastle

Newcastle 500 Transport Strategy Should make Travel a Breeze

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The transport plan for how thousands of people will be getting around during the Supercars Newcastle 500 event has finally been released.

There will be an integrated ticketing option with 300 additional buses and 90 more train services scheduled for the three-day event.

Park and ride services will be located not only from McDonald Jones Stadium to the Honeysuckle precinct, but also added across Newcastle Harbour at Stockton for the ferry service.

There will be two ferries running which can carry 200 passengers and crew each. The ferries will be running every 5 to 10 minutes.

Newcastle 500 Event Manager Kurt Sakzewski says the plan will easily enable 150,000 commuters to get in and out.

"We want to make sure all of those people can get in and out of the event in an easy manner and that's why we've introduced this integrated ticketing option so people will be able to come in whether it's via bus, ferry, train, in coming from Sydney and the outer regions,"

Event Manager Kurt Sakzewski.

"They'll be coming into Newcastle here, they'll be delivered to the gate and after the even, they'll take the same routes home as well," said Kurt Sakzewski.

The ticket you've purchased to get into the event itself will give you free public transport whatever it may be.

"The great thing about the integrated ticket is it doesn't matter what version of public transport that you want to take, you can get on a bus, get on a ferry, get on a train, you just show your event ticket and it just gives you access all of the way through for no extra cost," said Kurt Sakzewski.

Revitalising Newcastle Program Director Michael Cassel says they've tried to prepare for anything.

"We will have a command centre running throughout the three days to the event. That command centre will include everyone from police, event organisers, Keolis Downer, and people from NSW Transport so we'll be able to monitor what's going on and we'll be able to make changes as we move throughout the day and the night."

Event organisers have planned for people coming into the city from every possible way and they say this year will be a very good test to see how well they've planned.

"We can assess how it actually works after year one but we also keep an eye on where our ticket sales are from as well so gives us a little heads up but really it will be after the event itself that we will know the exact details and obviously in year two we will apply that to the plan," said Kurt Sakzewski.

Kurt admits it will be interesting to see how well people will be moved in and out of city on the Friday and Saturday nights but they've been working with police and every other transport agency to ensure everyone gets out in a timely manner.

The biggest piece of advice the organisers have is to catch public transport. Don't drive.

"We really want to encourage people to take public transport. All major events government use public transport to ferry people in and out and that would be the most efficient and least disruptive way to get in and out of the event," said Michael Cassel.

Free Park And Ride Trial Set To Free Up Newcastle CBD Parking Spaces

BY IAN CROUCH and LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A new park and ride plan is expected to take up to 350 vehicles out of the Newcastle CBD each weekday.

From Monday, people can park at McDonald Jones Stadium and catch a free bus into the city every 15 minutes between 6.30 and 8.30 on weekday mornings, with a return service between 4.30 and 6pm.

Morning buses will stop at four locations and the afternoon return service will pick up commuters from Customs House, the corner of Perkins and King Streets, Civic and Marketown every 15 minutes.

It's expected to save workers $1400 a year in parking fees.

The free trial continues until January 29 when a $2 fee applies to park at the Stadium.

It's hoped the service will free up car parks for CBD shoppers and ease congestion while the light rail is built.

Revitalising Newcastle Director, Michael Cassel, said it's a great initiative. "It reduces the cost to the commuter, and I think businesses will appreciate just how many car spaces are freed-up throughout the day.

"Commuters will be able to easily get into the city and enjoy the activities that we're putting on as part of Revitalising Newcastle." 

The trial will also help gauge support for Council's push to extend the light rail line to Broadmeadow.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for people to vote with their cars by jumping on to this park and ride bus morning and afternoon," Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

"This will be a huge benefit for us pushing our case for the expansion of the light rail network
out to this stadium precinct."

There will be alternative park and ride locations when the Newcastle Jets and Newcastle Knights have weekday evening matches at the stadium, but those locations have not yet been determined.

"So at the moment there's a lot of land around this precinct at Broadmeadow," Ms Nelmes said, "We're working with Venues NSW for those couple of times in the next 12 months where there are Knights or Jets games on a Friday to look for an alternative site; that's a work in progress."

She believes the service will operate smoothly.

"A lot of work has gone into ensuring the operations of this service will be as simple as possible, and as cheap as possible."

Commuters wanting to use the service must register for a free permit either online at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/parkandride or by calling Newcastle Council on 4974 2000.

Proud: Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Revitalising Newcastle Director, Michael Cassel. Image: Lauren Freemantle.

Park And Ride Service About To Start At McDonald Jones Stadium.

Hunter Street light rail construction to start next month

BY JARROD MELMETH

Light rail construction on Hunter Street will start from September 12 between Auckland and Darby Streets.

Works will include relocating essential services such as water, gas, electricity and telecommunications, civil construction work including road reconfiguration and laying light rail track on the road.

Traffic will be temporarily diverted around construction zones during the build, Honeysuckle Drive, Wharf Road and King Street will be available for road users to get around the city centre.

Revitalising Newcastle Program Director Michael Cassel says the construction area will be closed to ensure the safety of the construction personnel.

"It's also to ensure that we get through the zone as quickly as possible, we have elected to put diversions in place for traffic and will close that section of the road down.

On what is next for the light rail construction Mr Cassel says the project will progress through all of Hunter Street and Scott Street throughout the next 12 months.

"We are very cautious not to set very tight deadlines because as we have always said we are subject to weather and what we find in the ground and they are always challenging. We have worked hard to make sure the traffic diversions will work well; we have worked very hard to ensure there is ample parking for people who wish to drive into the city, but we are also improving public transport to give everyone an option.

"The light rail team has spent over a year laying the groundwork to ensure light rail construction will run as smoothly as possible. This includes creating new pedestrian and vehicle access points between Hunter Street and the harbour. It’s now time to get on with installing light rail tracks," Mr Cassel said.

Mr Cassel also reiterated the steps being taken by Revitalising Newcastle, to help surrounding businesses through the construction.

"We are ensuring that footpaths remain open and the entrances to all businesses remain open throughout the construction period. We are also putting on lots of planned activities to draw people back into the city, as well as lots of information and updates regularly on the best ways to move around the city," Mr Cassel said. 

Work in the Auckland and Darby Street construction zone is due to be completed by the end of 2017.

Light rail construction works at Auckland & Darby Streets Newcastle.

More road closures in Newcastle's CBD

BY JESSICA ROUSE

It could be a short-term headache for Newcastle drivers with part of Stewart Avenue closed for light rail preparation works this weekend.

The road between Hunter Street and Honeysuckle Drive will be closed from 7pm tonight until 5am on Monday.

There will be closures again the following weekend - Friday 25th to Monday 28th August - between the same times.

There will be diversions in place via Parry Street, Hunter Street and Albert Street at Wickham.

It doesn't stop there, there'll be single lane closures from 7pm Friday 1st September to 5am Monday 4th September - weather permitting.

It's all a part of the $500 million the NSW Government is investing through the Revitalising Newcastle program.

Interpretation plan to pay respect to 'The Store' past

BY JARROD MELMETH

Revitalising Newcastle say a move by the State Government to demolish 'The Store' building, to make way for a bus and coach terminal as part of the Newcastle Interchange project will pay respect to the history of the site.

Records illustrate the significance of the building which reflects an important aspect of the socio-economical system of the region, once standing as Newcastle's premier shopping destination until the 1960's.

News of the demolition has sparked a range of emotions from the wider community, with some saying developments like these happen way too often where buildings are left to stand bare for so long and then be deemed "structurally unsafe", torn down and, turned into the next revitalization venture.

Plans for the site include an interpretation plan which, according to program director Michael Cassel will aim to capture the essence of the sites former use.

"Interpretation plans really try to reflect the way in which a site was used and why there is such a connection. Historically it has been a place of gathering for the people of Newcastle, so we are trying to reflect that through different things like public art, story boards and information rather than just a plain facade, something that tells you a story so you can understand the importance of the site.

"We have come up with what we think is the best option," Mr Cassel said.

The decision has also been supported by the Hunter Business Chamber with Chamber President Jonathan Vandervoort applauding the next step being taken in the revitalisation of Newcastle.

"Back in 2015, the Chamber celebrated the State Government's acquisition of The Store building as a positive step forward to deliver an opportunity to add to the amenity of the current interchange design and provide a range of useful opportunities.

"Although The Store has been an important part of Newcastle West for many years, the Chamber notes the buildings are in poor condition and are a possible safety hazard in their current state," Mr

The Store as it stands today.

Newcastle Interchange under construction
at the rear of  'The Store'.

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.

The closer light rail construction comes, the more worried businesses get.

BY JESSICA ROUSE

There are renewed concerns for Hunter Street businesses as light rail construction looms in the Newcastle CBD.

Sections of Hunter Street will start to be closed off in September when work begins which is when most businesses say they're worried they'll feel the pinch.

Newcastle isn't the first city to go through the business upset with the plight mirroring some retailers on George Street in Sydney which has been a construction zone for around two years.

The government say they're prepared to adapt their plans if things go awry, but MP Tim Crakanthorp says even then a lot of small businesses just won't be able to survive.

Image www.newcastlenow.org.au

With up to 1,000 car parks disappearing and essentially one lane of traffic being taken away as well, Tim Crakanthorp just can't see it working for everyone.

"I think if you can stick it out for that period of time and only perhaps the bigger businesses can do that, there will be benefits at the end of it but then again they're also deeply concerned about the parking."

On the other hand, Program Director of Revitalising Newcastle Michael Cassel says they're doing as much as they can to ensure businesses don't lose out.

"We're doing a lot with businesses, we've employed precinct managers, we're working very hard to make sure businesses thrive through this period. We've got lots of activities, we're bringing more people back to the city during that period of disruption and we will pop out the other end with a much-improved transport system."

What to do about Civic Station

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

Results from a community feedback survey have found Newcastle residents know what they want to see done with the Newcastle Railway Station site, but they are divided over what to do with Civic Station.

The Revitalising Newcastle report shows there is overwhelming support to refurbish and reuse Newcastle Station with the majority wanting the building reused and turned into eateries, outdoor piazza, an art space, or outdoor cinema.

The state government says maintenance work will continue ahead of a development application for temporary uses for the site.

But there are more questions than answers for Civic Station with a mixed reaction from residents about whether it should simply be knocked down, or reused.

A permanent use for the station will be decided on through expressions of interest next year.

Newcastle's light rail project reaching another milestone

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle's former heavy rail corridor is taking shape, and forty workers will now be calling Downer EDI's new main site office home.

The new office, located between Merewether and Argyle Streets, will act as the nerve centre for light rail construction management.

Revitalising Newcastle Program Director Michael Cassel says not only is the office an accomplishment for the project, but it will be of benefit to local businesses.

"It's a good milestone for us to achieve in actually establishing the site offices and focusing the workforce; and I think the surrounding businesses will benefit also from the extra trade they'll receive through the simple things like lunches, morning tea and coffee."

With the building located right in the centre of the light rail route, the site will have its own access road off Argyle Street with parking spaces also set aside for construction workers, so existing parking spaces aren't taken up by the workers.

Michael Cassel says with workers working in various areas across the whole site, residents and visitors to the city shouldn't notice any disruption to either traffic or parking.

Image sourced from:
http://theconversation.com/will-it-be-the-end-of-the-line-for-newcastles-train-or-for-baird-38534

Wickham Interchange Could Lead To Traffic Gridlock: Expert

BY IAN CROUCH

Novocastrians are being assured there won't be a return to traffic gridlock on Stewart Avenue once the Wickham Interchange starts operating.

Traffic Engineer, Ron Brown has told the Herald there's been no information on how potential conflicts between pedestrians, cars and light rail vehicles will be managed.

However, Revitalising Newcastle Project Director, Michael Cassel says the impact on surrounding intersections will be minimal because light rail movements are faster than heavy rail and don't require boom gates.

He also says the light rail moves in synchronisation with traffic lights.

The Newcastle Interchange At Wickham