Independent urban design experts assessed nearly $1 billion worth of development proposals across Newcastle last year.
This helped shape projects that aim to improve the city’s public spaces and neighbourhood charm.
City of Newcastle’s (CN) Urban Design Review Panel conducted 71 design review sessions throughout 2025.
Working alongside council, planners and developers provided specialist advice on ventures across the LGA.
And, the outcome is detailed in the 2025 Urban Design Review Panel Annual Report, which was unanimously endorsed at last week’s council meeting.
CN’s executive director planning and environment Michelle Bisson said high-quality design played an important role in shaping a liveable city.
“Our community expects development that enhances local character and the panel is critical in guiding this vision,” she explained.
“The Urban Design Review Panel plays a vital role in guiding development that enhances our public spaces and delivers lasting value for our community.
“Their expertise helps ensure that even in a complex planning environment, we continue to see high-quality, thoughtful design outcomes across the city.”
The panel, which is made up of independent design specialists, provides advice to both council and development applicants to support strong design outcomes across Newcastle.
Over the past year, it reviewed a wide range of proposals.
These included a $2.9 million childcare facility in Tarro and one of the largest developments considered during the year.
This was a $186.6 million mixed-use project in Newcastle West featuring two towers of 14 and 15 storeys, with 280 apartments and five commercial tenancies.
Urban Design Review Panel chairperson Dr Philip Pollard said good urban design goes beyond the building itself.
“It shapes the streets, landscapes and public spaces people use every day,” he added.
“This year, the panel continued to provide consistent independent advice across an increasingly diverse range of proposals.
“Our ongoing focus on public domain quality, landscape integration and contextual fit remains central to achieving places the community can be proud of.”
Dr Pollard explained that one standout project that had been shaped by input from successive design panels was the newly-completed Newcastle Art Gallery.
“This space now provides a contemporary, purpose-built home for the city’s remarkable art collection and a cultural asset the community can be proud of,” he said.
“The panel places strong emphasis on ensuring new developments respond thoughtfully to their context and contribute to a cohesive urban environment for genuine public benefit.
“Our role helps applicants achieve outcomes that support the people who use these places and enhance their surroundings.”
The Urban Design Review Panel also acts as a Design Integrity Panel for nominated developments, helping ensure design excellence is maintained through to construction.
In 2025, the panel provided advice on 17 applications, including major mixed-use, co-living and residential projects across the CBD, Newcastle West, Mayfield and New Lambton.
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