https://www.xxzza1.com
19.6 C
Newcastle

Hamilton business owners all smiles over plaza transformation

SHARE

Hamilton Business Improvement Association chair Janice Musumeci is beaming from ear-to-ear.

After three months of construction, the City of Newcastle’s transformation of James Street Plaza on Beaumont Street has almost reached its conclusion.

The last pavers are being laid and the final placement of street furniture, artwork and landscaping is planned for the coming weeks.

Ms Musumeci said local businesses were looking forward to the plaza being open to the public.

“We’re already exploring ideas for how we can activate James Street Plaza for the whole community like ‘live’ music spots and regular markets,” she explained.

“It’ll be an inclusive and versatile space.

Construction manager Matt Hardy, project manager Bianca Field-Vo, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, councillor Carol Duncan and Hamilton Business Improvement Association chair Janice Musumeci at James Street Plaza. Photo: Peter Stoop

“Hamilton is already seeing great business growth, so this will be a terrific drawcard to bring people back to supporting local businesses.”

Residents were also asked to vote, in June, on their favourite of three lighting designs put forward by the University of Newcastle’s Future Art Science & Technology Lab (FASTLab), each celebrating a different aspect of Hamilton’s history and character.

The “Microcosmic Mosaic” concept proved to be the preferred option and was developed into a full-length animation, which will soon light up the space.

In addition to the lighting display, the rich history of Hamilton is reflected in artworks in the renewed plaza, informed by the research of local historian Ruth Cotton, author of Hidden Hamilton and through collaboration with the Newcastle Museum.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was wonderful to see the renewed plaza taking shape for the community to soon enjoy.

“Hamilton locals told us they wanted a safer, more appealing place to spend time, and this really delivers on that vision,” she stated.

“This is a place where we hope to see people gather and activate the space with music, markets and food.”

Councillor Carol Duncan said the upgrade was a collaboration with community and business in the area.

“Through our ongoing conversations with owners, we heard lots of ideas for improving this space and how it could be better utilised for residents and visitors alike,” she added.

“It is especially exciting to see the lighting display coming together, with installation underway this week.”

Final works will take place in the coming weeks before the community is welcomed into the upgraded space next month.

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.

For more news stories:

More Stories

Newcastle Weekly

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Subscribe to Newcastle Weekly. News, Community, Lifestyle, Property delivered direct to your inbox! 100% Local, 100% Free.

You have Successfully Subscribed!