Hamilton Station Park has reopened following a $290,000 upgrade, paving the way for the popular Hawker Street Markets to make their debut at the revamped space next month.

City of Newcastle has delivered a range of improvements aimed at making the park safer, more accessible and better equipped for community events.

Works include new accessible seating and pathways, landscaping, upgraded lighting and water connections, a community notice board and a purpose-built donation cupboard.

The project was shaped by community feedback and developed in collaboration with NSW Police, with $80,000 provided through the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership program.

Ward Two Councillor Jenny Barrie said the improvements would allow the park to be used more often.

“This project was designed to improve the park’s functionality, accessibility and safety,” Cr Barrie said.

“The key elements will enable the park to be activated more often.”

Electrical upgrades will allow for a security light and colour-changeable ambient lighting on bollards throughout the garden, while new water connections have provided a drinking bubbler, tap and dog bowl.

Councillor Paige Johnson said accessibility was also a major focus.

“These works have delivered the installation of a new kerb ramp, upgrades to pathways, as well as accessible modular seating with handrails,” she said.

An all-weather gravel pathway now provides improved access for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users and prams, while landscaping around the park’s Moreton Bay fig has been designed to protect its root system.

The permeable pathway is made from 100 per cent recycled material and has also been used to create a hard stand area suitable for food trucks during community events.

Visitors will also be greeted by a new Welcome to Place sign featuring artwork created specifically for the park by local Indigenous artist Koan Cashman.

Councillor Joel Pringle said it would recognise the connection Traditional Custodians have with the area.

“First Nations people gathered here for thousands of years and we want the park to continue to be a place for all people to enjoy,” he said.

A community notice board on the opposite side will promote support services and local activities, while a new weather-proof donation cupboard has been moved to a well-lit and visible location at the front of the park.

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the park provided an important gateway for people arriving in Hamilton by train.

“When passengers come off the train they walk straight into Hamilton Station Park, so it is important the park is open and welcoming for residents and visitors alike,” he said.

Hamilton Business Improvement Association Chair Kasey Pollard said the improvements would also provide a better first impression of the Beaumont Street business precinct.

The revamped park will get its first major test when the BIA hosts the Hawker Markets there on 12 September.

The event will feature street food and outdoor dining alongside face painting, live music and roving entertainment.