Medowie’s long-awaited town centre transformation has officially moved from planning to delivery, with Port Stephens Council endorsing a major masterplan designed to guide the suburb’s growth over the next two decades.
The decision paves the way for the development of a new-look civic and commercial hub expected to support a population of more than 20,000 residents by 2041.
It comes as Medowie continues to cement its place as one of the region’s fastest-growing communities.
Prepared by council in partnership with Moir Landscape Architecture, the final masterplan outlines five key precincts, including a renewed community hub, mixed-use shopping areas, village green, residential zones and expanded parklands.
The endorsement follows an extensive public exhibition process that attacted 242 community survey responses across an 80-day consultation period, with residents strongly backing additional retail options, a permanent library and more inclusive recreation spaces.
To address concerns raised during consultation, council approved a series of design revisions focused on traffic safety, housing density and public amenity rather than altering the broader vision for the site.
Changes include upgrades to the loop road and pathway network, additional mixed-use commercial buildings and a relocated playground designed to improve accessibility and usability.
Deputy mayor Chris Doohan says the milestone endorsement delivers on a major long-term promise to the community and was built hand-in-hand with local residents.
“This masterplan is a critical action straight out of our Medowie Place Plan and provides a roadmap for the future of Medowie,” he said.
“Medowie is our fastest-growing suburb and is home to our youngest demographic.
“This blueprint will guide exactly how this land can be developed to better serve our growing population.”
Central Ward councillor Jason Wells explained the masterplan offered direct and practical support for local families and youth services.
“Our community wanted to know if highly-anticipated projects like a new library and skate park were locked in, and this endorsement confirms they are,” he said.
“Planning for a permanent library service is a core feature of this hub, offering books, digital tools and study areas for all ages.
“We’re also officially bringing a new town centre skate park to life.
“The Kids Active Zone, including the skate park, will be designed through further consultation with the community to ensure it responds to local needs and aspirations.”
Central Ward councillor Ben Niland says the masterplan will unlock the doors to major regional infrastructure funding and development for Medowie.
“We cannot build a modern town centre without a staged plan, which is why endorsing this is so important,” he said.
“It sets up a clear framework to secure state and federal grants for big civil projects, road safety upgrades and improved pedestrian links connecting neighbourhoods straight into the heart of town.
“The initial stages will prioritise these essential upgrades using a mix of external grant funding and development contributions.
“This groundwork is a major step forward as council actively focuses on the momentum needed to commence actual work on the ground.
“As a proud Veteran, it is deeply meaningful to be able to establish a war memorial within the village green that will host major services like ANZAC Day.
“This space will serve as a lasting place for reflection and commemoration, ensuring our community can always come together to show their respects.”
For more news stories:
- Newcastle Greens disappointed ‘housing for everyone’ dropped from Honeysuckle HQ
- Hunter to welcome new $120m luxury resort in 2027
- Hunter workers still being priced out of housing market
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.
