$59 Million Honeysuckle Complex One of Next 24 Projects to be Fast Tracked by State Government

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The construction of a $59 million multi-storey apartment and commercial complex in Honeysuckle, has been earmarked as one of the next 2 dozen projects to be fast-tracked by the State Government. 

The NSW Government today announcing another 24 priority projects, which will have their planning assessments fast tracked, aiming to inject more than $5.37 billion into the State’s economy and created thousands of new jobs during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The Honeysuckle complex will hold 105 apartments, with multiple ground floor commercial premises and basement car parking, from the proponent, Trustee for Horizon Newcastle Unit Trust.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the second batch of projects could provide more than 15,000 jobs, more than 3,600 new homes and enhance NSW’s status as this country’s economic powerhouse.

“NSW is streets – and roads and homes and hospitals and schools – ahead of every other State in providing new jobs, economic growth, infrastructure and services for our people,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“This health crisis only sharpens our focus and energy as we bring forward the NSW Government’s unprecedented infrastructure spend and create an environment where private and government investment combine to help us rebound from the pandemic together.”

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said it's important to recognize these are just the prioritised projects.

“During the same period we also approved  – through our normal process – 42 projects worth $2.4 billion, creating opportunities for more than 4,600 jobs and 399 new homes.

“We’re creating great places to live, work and play while also showing the world that NSW is ready to not only recover but thrive,” Mr Stokes said.

A determination is to be made on every project in the tranche within four weeks, with decisions to be made by 18 June 2020. 

Talks On Greater University CBD Presence

BY MICHAEL LANGHAM

Proposed Development areas. Photo Courtesy Newcastle Herald

Direct negotiations between the University of Newcastle, Hunter Development, UrbanGrowth NSW and the NSW Government have begun to assess opportunities to expand the Universities presence in Newcastle's CBD.

The focus of development negotiations are parcels of land in the Honeysuckle area and a section of the heavy rail corridor in the Civic precinct.

The direct dealing builds upon the relationship established under the Memorandum of Understanding, agreed in 2015.

Planning Minister ROB STOKES says"the NSW Government sees compelling benefit in having a greater university presence in the city centre as a key influencer in the city's renewal."