An empty lot in Newcastle East is soon to be home to nearly 50 new affordable housing units, says City of Newcastle (CN).
A total of 48 dwellings, including a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, were proposed by community accommodation provider Home in Place to council on Tuesday 9 December.
It follows a rigorous two-stage selection supported by independent probity oversight, with the motion now fully endorsed by council.
The development will be located on the 4,125 square metre space at 280 Hunter Street, known as Rail Bridge Row, which stretches from Brown Street to near the intersection of Darby and Hunter streets.
It was purchased by City of Newcastle from the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation in 2020 and is the final piece of the former heavy rail corridor to be redeveloped.
Council’s chief executive officer Jeremy Bath said the appointment of a not-for-profit, community-focused provider marked a pivotal step forward to help address the city’s housing crisis.
“Home in Place has demonstrated the capability, experience and vision needed to bring this project to life,” he stated.
“Their strong financial foundations and proven success in delivering affordable housing gave us great confidence in selecting them to partner with us on this landmark project, which is the first of its kind in the Hunter.”
The units will be located above a ground-floor commercial development, supported by 37 car spaces for residents and retail tenants.
The proposal also includes a new laneway connecting Argyle Lane with Wharf Road and a cycleway link to Market Street for push bike riders.
Chair of City of Newcastle’s Asset Advisory Committee Declan Clausen said the selection of Home in Place followed a detailed and competitive process.
“This appointment comes after a thorough assessment of proposals from across the sector,” Cr Clausen explained.
“Through the competitive procurement process, Home in Place demonstrated capability and experience, with a strong local track record of delivering high-quality, well-located homes for people who need them most.
“Their proposal gives us confidence that Rail Bridge Row will progress with momentum and deliver meaningful outcomes for our community.
“In addition to City of Newcastle’s substantial direct and in-kind contributions, this exciting project will be well-placed to pursue additional funding opportunities, including through the Housing Australia Future Fund when applications open in early 2026.”
The appointment follows extensive geotechnical, environmental and cultural heritage investigations conducted on the Hunter Street site.
A Development Application (DA) currently under assessment seeks approval for mine investigation and remediation works beneath the locale.
Subject to approval, grout-based remediation targeting historic workings is expected to begin in 2026.
Council stated the works were essential to stabilise the site prior to future construction.
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