Construction will start on several new homes this week following the remediation of the old Waratah Gasworks site.
Property and Development NSW (PDNSW) recently completed work on 11 residential lots, which were contaminated with soil and infrastructure left behind by the former operation.
The project took in a total of 13 properties on Ellis and Turton roads.
It’s understood seven are being rebuilt, while four others will be sold on the private market.
“The legacy of the Waratah Gasworks, which operated from 1889 to 1926, has been a real and lived experience for many residents,” Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said.
“So, this is a significant moment for families who call this area home.
“There’s still work to do before the site is fully-remediated, but it’s an important milestone in ensuring the issues of the past are finally put to bed.”
Contamination was first detected at the site in 2016 during investigations conducted by City of Newcastle (CN) and then reported to the NSW Environment Protection Authority.
The remediation work involved the excavation and removal of soil and infrastructure buried at the locale.
“We began civil works at Waratah in late 2023 and our handover of the first property to one of the residents at Ellis Road is a momentous step,” PDNSW executive director environmental management group Peter Graham said.
“I am extremely grateful to them for their patience and engaging with us throughout the process.
“This is a complex and challenging project… and the work continues to ensure all 13 properties will be suitable for future residential use.”
The venture’s part of a $25 million statewide strategy that has so far removed more than 20,000 tonnes of gasworks-impacted material.
Work included the removal of a 56-metre-wide underground gasholder, which extended to a depth of six metres below the ground, along with tar wells, and purifier beds.
“It is fantastic this land is being returned for residential use,” Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said.
“We will be able to maintain the character of the area for the benefit of the community.
“There were many sites across the state that were unfortunately impacted by historic industrial use when environmental protections were not as strong as they are today.
“The Minns Labor government is taking proactive action to tackle those challenges, like the Waratah Gasworks site, to safeguard community health and ensure affected land can be safely re-used into the future.”
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