City of Newcastle (CN) is inviting residents to help shape the future, with a draft plan aiming to transform the historic Civic Precinct.
The move will turn the sector into a vibrant hub where arts, culture, recreation and events can thrive.
The draft Civic Public Domain Plan, now open for community feedback, outlines changes to key streets such as King, Darby, Auckland, Merewether and Hunter, along with important sites such as Civic Park.
Proposed features include a wide range of upgrades such as improved pedestrian and cycling routes, more green spaces, and the creation of a new lawn and event screen in Wheeler Place.
Council’s CEO Jeremy Bath said plans for the area would support future development with a spotlight on increasing connectivity between important cultural institutions, while supporting the broader renewal of Newcastle’s city centre.
“This precinct has been the focus of significant change during the past 10 years, with major developments helping to shape the character of a key destination for residents, students and visitors,” he explained.
“It’s designed to make the area between Civic Park and Honeysuckle more suitable for walking, riding and using mobility devices, while also adding more green spaces to make the area more enjoyable and keep the city cooler during hot weather.
“Tree planting will also enhance and protect views of valued heritage items, such as the historic relationships between Newcastle City Hall, Civic Park, Wheeler Place and Christie Place.”
Traffic upgrades to Auckland Street and Darby Street intersections are also proposed, as well as improvements to Christie Park, and acknowledgements of First Nations history and early European settlements.
Newcastle RSL Sub-branch president Peter Griffiths welcomed the initiative, saying preserving the significance of Civic Park’s memorials is essential.
“The RSL wants to ensure the precinct continues to honour the men and women who have served in the Australian Defence Forces,” he said.
“It currently features the WW1/WW2 War Memorial, Vietnam and National Service Memorial, the Folded Wings RAAF Memorial and the Memorial Grove, which includes the Legacy tree.”
CN is encouraging public input to help inform a well-coordinated final plan that will be reviewed and endorsed by key stakeholders, the community and council.
Interactive “walkshops” are available on 2 and 3 May or speak to staff at the Olive Tree Markets in Civic Park on 3 May.
Feedback can also be submitted until 20 May via the Have Your Say website.
To find out more, visit haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/civicpdp
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