What do you love most about Wickham?  

That’s what is being asked by City of Newcastle (CN) as its long-term plans for the expansion of the city centre begin to take shape. 

With urban development already spilling over into the popular suburb, council has released its draft concepts and is keen to hear what the community thinks. 

Among the plans to connect green spaces and pedestrians with the waterfront and city, lies the need for public art honouring both Aboriginal and European heritage. 

City of Newcastle’s draft concepts for Wickham’s public spaces, prepared as part of the delivery of a Public Domain Plan, outline key elements to help realise the long-term vision of the Wickham Masterplan 2021. 

Being touted are new cycleways and footpaths, tree planting and public art opportunities. 

Upgrading Union Street as an attractive pathway to the heart of the precinct is also included. 

Creating open community spaces, activating the historic Bullock Island Rail Corridor and improving access and connections to Wickham Park and the harbour’s waterfront are on the agenda. 

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said plans for the area included increased opportunities for transit-oriented development around the Newcastle Interchange.  

“We are starting to see a real change in Wickham, with growing investor and developer interest in recent years transitioning the semi-industrial area into a mixed-use urban neighbourhood, supporting the Newcastle West CBD,” he explained.  

“The Public Domain Plan aims to create a welcoming and positive environment for residents and visitors while improving safety, accessibility, and amenity.  

“We have worked closely with a number of stakeholders on these draft concepts including local community group Great Lifestyle of Wickham.  

“We’re now looking to receive broader feedback from the community to help inform key features of the final plan, which over the long term will deliver greater road and pedestrian links within Wickham and to adjoining areas, improved cycleways and increased investment in community infrastructure to support the growing local population.”  

The draft concept plans for the Wickham Public Domain Plan will remain open for online feedback via newcastle.nsw.gov.au/haveyoursay until 22 March.  

Community drop-in sessions will be conducted at Marketown on Thursday 2 March from 11am to 1pm and at the Tree of Knowledge Park in Wickham on Saturday 18 March from 11am to 1pm.  

CN is also seeking feedback on the Community Infrastructure Incentives in the Wickham Planning Proposal, which seeks to deliver identified community infrastructure and facilitate urban renewal in Wickham through the provision of development incentives.  

The Community Infrastructure Incentives in the Wickham Planning Proposal will remain open for comment via newcastle.nsw.gov.au/haveyoursay until 22 March. 

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