The final piece in the revitalisation of Newcastle Harbour is in place after DOMA Group was announced as the delivery partner for Honeysuckle HQ.
It’s understood the landmark $1.6 billion project will deliver about 1,000 new homes, as well as commercial and retail space to support around 4,000 workers, alongside jobs, hospitality, tourism and cultural offerings on the city’s iconic harbourfront.
Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) selected the private developer to transform the precinct into a vibrant waterfront destination.
The masterplan features more than 11,000 square metres of public open space, including a new park known as Honeysuckle Green, a Wickham School of Arts-anchored plaza, improved pedestrian connections and shared areas designed to maximise community access to the waterfront.
Construction is anticipated to contribute roughly $80 million annually to the economy, while the completed precinct is expected to generate approximately $133 million each year for the city and region.
Site preparation works should begin in 2026, with the venture, known as Newcastle Quay, delivered over six stages across 15 years.
“Honeysuckle HQ will be something truly special for Newcastle,” DOMA Group managing director Jure Domazet said.
“We’re proud that our proposal for this harbourfront precinct will create an iconic landmark destination, a legacy the city truly deserves.
“We engaged four leading architectural firms to shape each building with a distinct design vision, creating something unique, interesting and inspired by the enviable setting.”
The news has been welcomed by Business Hunter and the Property Council of Australia.
CEO Bob Hawes said it marked a turning point for Newcastle and its status as a metropolitan city.
“This bold plan represents a great leap forward, not just for Honeysuckle but for Newcastle as the regional capital,” he stated.
“The scale of the project is significant and reinforces the extent to which Newcastle and the region have matured.
“The sort of development underway today was unimaginable to most even 10 years ago.
“But, we are now seeing the fruits of a successful urban renewal strategy to shift the city’s CBD west and incorporate high-density, mixed-use development into the inner city.”
Mr Hawes added Honeysuckle HQ would complement the development of the Broadmeadow Precinct and help drive further investment in infrastructure and transport.
“Together, they represent one of the largest urban regeneration projects in the country, providing more people with opportunities to live and work close to jobs and services and enjoy all the benefits of city living,” he said.
“It should provide strong impetus for further investment, including improvements to transport connectivity and much-needed upgrades such as the extension of the light rail.”
Property Council Hunter and Central Coast regional director Stephen Crowe echoed those sentiments.
“The revitalisation of Newcastle has been underway for some time, but this flagship project is truly game-changing for Honeysuckle, Wickham and the west end,” he said.
“More than 1,000 new homes in this precinct will make a meaningful contribution to supply in the region.
“However, this venture is much more than that.”
Mr Crowe said Honeysuckle HQ reflected the type of large-scale, mixed-use development needed to support the vibrancy and growth of the city… and the region that surrounds it.
“The redevelopment will combine residential, commercial and hospitality uses,” he stated.
“It’ll support thousands of jobs while revitalising a landmark harbourfront site.
“Honeysuckle has long been identified as a critical site.
“And, this next stage will help make the city a destination for residents and visitors alike.
“It shows what can be achieved when government and industry work together.”
Mr Crowe admitted the project also highlighted the importance of long-term planning certainty and strong partnerships between the public and private sectors.
“The role of the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) remains key to the Hunter’s future growth,” he said.
“Along with Honeysuckle HQ, HCCDC has carriage of the keenly-awaited Broadmeadow Precinct, another transformative project for the region.”
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