A section of Wolfe Street has reopened as council moves closer to completing the latest stage of its East End Village upgrade.
The works span Hunter Street between Thorn and Wolfe streets, as well as Wolfe Street between King and Scott streets, improving access through the area.
New footpaths, enhanced road surfaces and an extended separated cycleway have been delivered, along with stormwater and underground infrastructure improvements to support the growing city centre.
City of Newcastle (CN) CEO Jeremy Bath said the project was helping reshape the former Hunter Street Mall.
“Our East End Village project is reinstating it as a traditional high street, making it a better place to live for the growing number of residents that are calling the area home,” he explained.
“We’re ensuring the city centre’s more people-focused, guaranteeing it’s easier to navigate and a much nicer space to spend time, which provides a boost to local businesses and our economy.”
More than $16 million has been invested in the East End Village project since work began in 2021.
Upgrades completed so far include streetscape improvements along Hunter Street from Brown to Wolfe street, as well as the block bordered by Hunter, Wolfe, King and Perkins streets.
CN’s interim executive director city infrastructure Robert Dudgeon said council had worked closely with local businesses during construction.
“We’ve liaised with them, and stakeholders, to maintain access and continuity of trade, while delivering upgrades that will support the area into the future,” he added.
“I’m particularly pleased with how we’re making our city centre an attractive place for everyone to spend time by improving accessibility and landscaping in the area… and that will continue through future stages of the project.”
Final touches, including line marking on the cycleway, paver installation and general clean-up, are expected to be completed in April.
Attention then turns to the next phase of the venture, which comprises upgrades to Hunter Street, Market Street and Newcomen Street.
CN is also currently assessing tenders for the next stage, which is supported by funding from the Australian Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.
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