Affordable housing could be built on a section of Newcastle’s former rail corridor, under a plan that’s being touted as a ‘leg up’ for middle income earners.
The proposal, by Revitalise Newcastle, would see 30 homes built on the former rail corridor between Civic Station and Merewether Street.
It would be funded by pooling Hunter Development Corporation and Newcastle City Council’s affordable housing funding.
“It is hoped council will consider allocating funding for the proposal at its April meeting, which would be the first step in bringing the concept to life,” Revitalising Newcastle Program Director Michael Cassel said.
“Affordable housing gives hard working people on low to moderate incomes a leg up and helps them work towards their housing goals, be it home ownership or ongoing private rental.
Across town, the NSW Government is calling for interest to convert The Store building into a bus and coach interchange and employment hub.
During a visit to the city, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance announced the iconic site would be put to market.
“When the NSW Government bought The Store adjacent to the new transport interchange in 2015, we had a vision for a fully integrated transport destination. Somewhere you go to – not just move through,” Mr Constance said.
The Minister also announced Newcastle will be the only Australian city to have a majority wire free light rail system.
“This is a game changer for the urban amenity and sustainability of Newcastle light rail, which has been the impetus for the complete revitalisation of the city,” Mr Constance said.
Light rail vehicles will be fitted with onboard energy storage, removing the need for the “spider-web” over overhead wires.
The upgrades will be delivered at the same time as the light rail project and construction is expected to start within months.
