Tenders are being called for to demolish the vacant building next to the Nelson Street Bridge, as City of Newcastle takes further steps to alleviate flooding issues in the Wallsend town centre.
The work will also allow the future widening of Hunter Water’s Ironbark Creek stormwater channel.
Broadening the conduit and replacing the Tyrrell Street, Nelson Street and Boscawen Street bridges are key elements of the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the demolition was an essential step to allow the stormwater channel to be widened and avoid the catastrophic flooding that had occurred on a number of occasions since the Pasha Bulker storm in 2007.
“Demolishing this building, which we strategically acquired in 2018, is part of our more than $20 million commitment to address flooding in Wallsend,” she explained.
“It’s directly adjacent to the stormwater channel and the Nelson Street bridge.
“And, its removal will enable future construction of an upgraded Nelson Street Bridge, as well as widening of Hunter Water’s channel to 21m, which takes in approximately half the width of the building’s footprint.”
Ms Nelmes said City of Newcastle was continuing to work with Hunter Water as the asset owners of the channel on funding for a capital program.
“We want to help protect people and property exposed to the dangers and damage of flooding,” she added.
“Expansion of the stormwater channel, together with the replacement and raising of the Nelson and Boscawen Street bridges and upgrade of the culvert beneath Cowper Street Bridge, will significantly reduce flooding in the town centre.
“We are committed to delivering the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan in conjunction with significant amenity upgrades to the Wallsend CBD, which will support businesses and residents.”
A new Tyrrell Street Bridge was opened in April last year following the City’s $3.3 million replacement of the original 1930-built structure.
It is expected demolition of the building on Nelson Street will take place in the coming months.
Detailed design of the replacement and raising of the Nelson and Boscawen Street bridges is scheduled to start later in 2021.
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