The Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) will take the final parcel of the former rail corridor to market, in a move it says will help revitalise Newcastle.
The 4125-square metre site, adjacent to the Crown Street light rail stop on Hunter Street, has been renamed Rail Bridge Row, in recognition of the Australian Agricultural Company bridge that once crossed the site to take coal to the harbour.
Acting Chief Executive Valentina Misevska says Rail Bridge Row presents a rare investment opportunity and will help facilitate more jobs, homes and improved urban outcomes connected to new transport.
“Rail Bridge Row has an amazing street frontage along Hunter Street – the long and narrow site provides the opportunity to create a high-quality streetscape that, together with residential and commercial outcomes, will help to attract more people into the city centre,” said Ms Misevska.
Newcastle City Council approved rezoning of the former heavy rail corridor in 2017, despite strong objections from Greens councillor John MacKenzie, who argued the land could still be used for future transport needs.
“It was rezoned before we had an up-to-date traffic and parking report based on likely CBD developments, or an integrated public transport plan or a cycleway strategy for the end of town.
“In the two years since, we’ve seen the impact of this decision on transport and access to the CBD, especially for cyclists and public transport users, but just as much for drivers.
“It is obvious that what little is left of the rail corridor should have at least some thin sliver reserved for current and future active transport needs,” Mr Mackenzie said in a statement to NBN News.
On Friday, Ms Misevska described Rail Bridge Row as an “exciting milestone for the city” and that HCCDC was “looking forward to seeing what opportunities the market identifies for this space.”
Colliers International is offering the site to market on behalf of HCCDC.
Expressions of interest close on December 16.
