Local businesses have thrown their support behind City of Newcastle’s (CN) multi-million-dollar upgrade of the Georgetown village centre.
The work, which started this week, is designed to enhance the safety, user-friendliness and amenity of the neighbourhood shopping precinct.
The first stage of the eagerly-awaited council project will improve speed control devices and introduce additional entry infrastructure to reduce driver speeds and support the existing 40km/hour zone.
There are also plans to renew the existing bus stop, enriching access to transport for commuters with accessibility needs.
Corrin Dedman, from Koko Hairdressing, admitted the upgrades would allow the suburb to keep pace with its growing popularity.
“We’re excited for the new plaza and enhancements to the streetscape,” she said.
“Georgetown is a growing area and these improvements will be great for locals and our salon visitors.”
On Point Natural Medicine’s Adrian Taricani agreed.
“The work will boost the neighbourhood,” he said.
“The upgrade is an exciting time for the Georgetown community and everyone who comes here.
“We are especially excited for the added greenery and the improved street appeal.”
The following stages of the project will make it easier to safely navigate the precinct on foot, with new pedestrian refuges to be installed on the busy Georgetown Road.
Drainage improvements and underground utility work are set to be completed in the coming months to prepare the precinct for the broader rejuvenation of the local centre.
When finished, Georgetown will be home to a new plaza in Moate Street, wider footpaths, about 30 additional street trees and safer cycle access between Asher and Parkview streets.
A new electric vehicle (EV) kerbside charging station is slated for installation, too.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Georgetown Local Centre improvements would be a win for residents and businesses.
“Georgetown is a historic village with a lovely character that deserves to be celebrated and preserved,” she stated.
“We are committed to creating an attractive, leafy, thriving precinct through this project.
“Georgetown will be our ninth zone upgraded as part of our Local Centres program, which has already seen more than $20 million invested into our community and small business areas.”
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