Emergency Services Called To "Explosion" At Tighes Hill

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters have been called to reports of an explosion and fire at a Tighes Hill freight rail depot overnight.

Emergency services were called to the Pacific National facility off Industrial Drive at about 9pm.

They discovered a high pressure hose had burst but there was no sign of fire.

A number of staff were evacuated as a precaution and no-one was injured.

Meanwhile, more than 30 firefighters battled a house fire at Wallsend on Wednesday afternoon.

Crews were called to the single story weatherboard and tile home in Harriet Street at about 2.30pm to find the house well alight and flames through the roof.

They managed to stop the fire spreading to adjoining properties.

No-one was home at the time and there were no reports of injuries.

The cause of the fire is not yet known but it's not being treated as suspicious.

Emergency services were called to the Pacific National Depot Picture: Newcastle Herald

The house in Harriet Street Wallsend sustained significant damage Picture: Wallsend Fire & Rescue

Tighes Hill and Mayfield poised for major developments

BY JARROD MELMETH

Mayfield and Tighes Hill are set to become home to a number of new retail operators.

Central Coast based Stevens Group have submitted the fresh plans for a service station and two take away food outlets at 51 Industrial Drive, Mayfield to Newcastle Council while the Elizabeth Street, Tighes Hill light industrial area plans have passed Newcastle's Development Applications Committee and will now be voted on by councilors at next Tuesday's meeting.

The $18.6 million Tighes Hill mixed use development hopes to attract tenants in the form of but not exclusive to hardware, retail, gyms, childcares, and hospitality. The site has been unused for the best part of 10 years, and has a history of contamination as a former bulk fuel terminal and depot. The developer says the site has been cleaned up in preparation for the project.

In Mayfield, a $4.1 million plan has been lodged with Newcastle Council and if approved will be home to a service station and two take-away food outlets. The development application has sought 24/7 hours of operation.

Tighes Hill plans for a light industrial area.

Mayfield plans for service station and fast food.