Crane Installation Marks Progress for Newcastle’s Tallest Residential Towers

18 August 2024

Image of the building crane being lifted in place, a photo shared on social media by u/BJPHS.

The sight of a colossal crane towering over Hunter Street on Saturday marks a new chapter in Newcastle’s transformation. The crane is being used to erect the city’s tallest residential towers, a development that will reshape the skyline at the site of the former “The Store” building. Standing at 99 metres, these towers, known as the Store Residences, will house over 350 apartments, along with high-end amenities like a wellness centre, pool, and communal gardens.

While this progress is exciting, it hasn’t been without its controversies. The original Store building, a much-loved piece of Newcastle’s history, was demolished to make way for a commuter car park. Initially touted as a transport hub for Newcastle Interchange, the car park later restricted access to short-term parkers, sparking local frustration. Now, as the crane lifts steel into place, the project is finally delivering on the promise of revitalising the West End.

Strategically, this location couldn’t be better. Situated next to Newcastle Interchange, the city’s major transport hub, this development will benefit from seamless access to trains, buses, and light rail. Transport for NSW has also recently purchased a nearby building, positioning itself to extend the light rail from its current terminus toward Tudor Street and eventually on to Broadmeadow. The proposed light rail extension will connect the city centre with Broadmeadow’s future sports and entertainment precinct.

This strategic planning ties into Newcastle’s broader vision, where building heights are carefully regulated to preserve the city’s historic skyline. Taller buildings are concentrated further west, while those closer to the East End remain lower to maintain views of key landmarks like Christ Church Cathedral. This approach balances Newcastle’s heritage with its ambitions for growth, ensuring the city’s evolution remains sensitive to its unique character.

As construction booms and transport networks expand, Newcastle is steadily emerging as a modern, vibrant hub. The installation of this crane is more than just a step forward for the Store Residences; it’s an exciting sign of our city’s future taking shape.