The Hunter Central Coast Regional Planning Panel has approved a $110+ million development in the heart of Newcastle West.
West Village, on the former Spotlight site at 711 Hunter Street, promises to transform the CBD into a thriving mecca of culture, creativity, entertainment and convenience.
The project, a joint venture between Spotlight Property Group and St Hilliers, will boast a curated ground plane experience featuring podium levels of retail and commercial tenancies, multi-storey food and beverage opportunities including an open-air bar, as well as two residential towers home to 257 apartments above.
St Hillier’s development manager Luke McNamara said it was an exciting time for Newcastle.
“From the outset, we’ve committed to a significant public art program to showcase the local [creative] scene,” he explained.
“And, as part of the Development Consent, all retail, food and beverage offerings have a pre-approval to operate, including a three-storey venue with an open-air bar.
“This [pre-approval] will go a long way to streamlining the process for future businesses.
“It was also important that the design was sustainable and ‘future-ready’.
“West Village is committing to 90MW of rooftop solar panels and 300 electric-vehicle-ready car parking spaces, making it the first development in Newcastle to provide residents and commercial staff with the ability to charge their vehicles.
“It’ll also feature an end-of-trip facility, as well as about 300 bicycle parking spaces in both secure and public areas.”
The approved development will allow for the return of a large swathe of public domain back to the community at the ground plane, too, with an urban plaza fronting National Park Street (highlighting the public art precinct) and a through-site connection to the Drill Hall Gallery and Birdwood Park.
The Government Architects Design Competition was essential to the process for Plus Architecture as well, according to director Rido Pin.
“As Newcastle, like other regional hubs across Australia expand at pace, it’s critical new developments are designed with their long-term future in mind and consider the varying and changing needs of their users,” he said.
“Our two-tower design, featuring iconic sculptural curves, will create a landmark destination for the whole community – locals and visitors alike.”
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