Once described as a “prosperous village”, Georgetown is set to undergo a much-needed, multi-million-dollar upgrade.
Named after George Moate, who acquired land in the area in 1853, the Newcastle suburb will welcome an unprecedented investment into the neighbourhood shopping precinct.
City of Newcastle (CN) councillors voted unanimously during the week to approve the proposed public domain, enabling significant enhancements to progress pedestrian and cycling accessibility, as well as the general amenity for residents and businesses.
Traffic calming and safety improvement works will kick off in the coming months, with the remainder of the project to provide a new landscaped plaza, better footpaths, upgraded street furniture and lighting, as well as more street trees and landscaping.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was a great result for Georgetown, with the plan delivering outcomes highlighted during recent community feedback.
“Georgetown is rapidly growing with new residential developments that include ground floor commercial opportunities, which will attract more families and business to the area,” she explained.
“It’s important we get the right mix of growth and local amenity for our residents and implement a design that has increased accessibility and encourages pedestrian usage and cyclist safety.
“Feedback from the community during the public exhibition [of these plans] indicated a strong desire to improve the look and feel of the area.
“So, this project will meet their needs to create a safer, more accessible and attractive environment to visit and enjoy.
“A major component of our Local Centres program includes drainage improvements, too.
“We will also look to partner with businesses to beautify shop fronts through a future Façade Improvement Scheme.”
The major works include a new public plaza at the intersection of Moate Street and Georgetown Road, which will create an attractive destination to support the shopping precinct while also facilitating safer cycle access between Asher Street and Parkview Street.
Ward 3 councillor Peta Winney-Baartz admitted the Local Centres program was a great way to improve popular neighbourhood areas for residents and visitors alike.
“A refreshed space will encourage the community to support local Georgetown businesses, providing improved spaces to shop, dine, and meet with friends,” the chair of the Infrastructure Advisory Committee said.
“Our team has worked hard to design and plan improvements to the look and feel of the area that also assists a busy suburb, with safer vehicle movements alongside improvements to pedestrian safety.
“There will be community updates provided to businesses and residents to keep them informed as we progress through the upgrades.
“We’ll also invite locals to let us know their ideas for the best use and activation concepts for the new public space later in the year.”
For more communtiy stories:
- Wheels in motion for Cessnock Regional Skatepark
- New kiosk, public toilets set for Foreshore Park
- $51,000 funding to provide a safer haven for DV victims
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
