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City of Newcastle Brightens Blackbutt Village with Vibrant Murals

today30 July 2024

Background
(l-r) City of Newcastle Project Manager Alex Altuneg, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, Councillor Margaret Wood, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, artist Olas One and UP&UP Inspirations co-founder Faith Curtis at Blackbutt Village.

NEW LAMBTON – Blackbutt Village is undergoing a colourful transformation as the first of three public art murals takes shape, marking a key milestone in the $4.5 million upgrade of the Orchardtown Road shopping precinct.

The vibrant murals, produced by Newcastle’s social and artistic enterprise UP&UP Inspirations, are being installed at various locations around Blackbutt Village. Following consultation with the New Lambton community and local businesses, the first mural is now adorning the northern façade of the Blackbutt Village Grocer, bringing a splash of colour and local flair to the area.

This public art initiative is one of the final touches in the City of Newcastle’s extensive Local Centre upgrade of Blackbutt Village. The project has already delivered significant improvements, including enhanced pedestrian access, upgraded drainage, and better footpath connections to the popular Blackbutt Reserve—a source of inspiration for the murals.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes expressed her enthusiasm for the upgrades, highlighting the benefits for the local community.

“Blackbutt Village is a hub where New Lambton locals come together to support their local businesses, enjoy a coffee, and connect with friends and family,” said Cr Nelmes. “We’re committed to creating a safer, more attractive shopping environment for New Lambton residents. The addition of 130 new trees and 23 landscaped garden beds will provide more shade and colour, making the village even more appealing.”

“The murals are a reflection of the community’s love for their green spaces, such as the stunning Blackbutt Reserve,” Cr Nelmes added. “I’m thrilled with the progress so far and look forward to the project’s completion over the next six months.”

The Blackbutt Village upgrades have been made possible through a $591,677 grant from the NSW Government. Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, spoke about the project’s importance for the community.

“Blackbutt Village and New Lambton are unique areas deserving of investment to enhance their character and provide improved facilities,” said Minister Moriarty. “It’s great to see the NSW Government working alongside the City of Newcastle and the local community to celebrate this beautiful neighbourhood.”

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley, echoed this sentiment, praising the project’s progress.

“Blackbutt has long been a favourite spot for families. The new murals will add vibrant colours and character to the precinct, enhancing the community’s enjoyment of the area,” said Minister Catley. “It’s fantastic to see the NSW Government supporting projects like this, ensuring our public spaces are modern and accessible.”

The City of Newcastle will continue to deliver the final stages of the project, including new community spaces on Myra Street and Carnley Avenue, and upgrades to the Carnley Avenue intersection and signals, pending design approvals from Transport for NSW. The completed works will feature a shared zone for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, an off-road shared pedestrian and cycleway, and a new pedestrian crossing to improve safety between the car park and shops.

To celebrate the project’s milestones, a community gathering is planned for August 10 in Blackbutt Village.

This upgrade is part of the City of Newcastle’s Local Centres program, which aims to revitalise communities across Newcastle. Other completed projects include upgrades to Beresford Avenue, Beresfield; Mitchell Street, Stockton; Young Street, Carrington; James Street Plaza, Hamilton; Llewellyn Street, Merewether; Joslin Street, Kotara; Sandgate Road, Shortland; Nelson Street, Wallsend; and Darby Street.

Artists impression of planned upgrades at Blackbutt Village New Lambton

Written by: Newy Staff


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