Newcastle Expands Urban Design Panel Amid Surging Development Projects

Highly skilled professionals from across Australia are eager to contribute to Newcastle’s growth, seeking positions on the City’s Urban Design Review Panel (UDRP). This panel plays a crucial role in shaping the city’s development landscape, having reviewed and provided feedback on over $1.5 billion worth of projects in the past year alone.

The previous UDRP, which concluded its three-year term in June, has been expanded to accommodate growing demand. The new panel now consists of seven members and a Chairperson, all tasked with advising the City of Newcastle and applicants on the quality and amenity of proposed developments.

The selection process for the new panel was competitive, with 35 applicants assessed on their experience and technical expertise. The final selection ensures a balanced representation of various design disciplines.

Phillip Pollard will continue as Chairperson for another three-year term, while Kerry Hunter, Kristine Cianci, Kelly O’Connell, and Colin Brady have been reappointed as members. New to the panel are Elisabeth Peet, an expert in architecture and urban design, award-winning architect Lachlan Seegers, and landscape architect David Taylor.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes highlighted the significance of the UDRP in Newcastle’s development. “The panel is the oldest continuously serving urban design and architectural advisory body in New South Wales,” Cr Nelmes said. “The former panel met 13 times in 2023, providing invaluable guidance on 48 development proposals, helping to elevate urban planning and design standards in our city.”

Phillip Pollard expressed his enthusiasm for continuing his role as Chairperson. “The UDRP has consistently shown that high-quality design enhances both the heritage and natural beauty of Newcastle. Our work gives the local building and development industry the confidence to aim for excellence in city-making.”

Kerry Hunter, one of the reappointed members, emphasised the panel’s commitment to positive city-making. “It’s exciting to see City of Newcastle introducing a larger group of skilled practitioners who will enrich the design review process. We’re seeing more projects that recognise the shared public and private benefits of achieving design excellence, leading to outcomes that will be valued by the community for decades.”

Significant projects reviewed by the UDRP in 2023 include the $71 million ‘ONE’ twin-tower luxury apartment complex on National Park Street in Newcastle West, a $29 million mixed-use development on Hunter Street, and a $12 million commercial space known as ‘Arbour’ in Newcastle West.

The new panel members bring a wealth of experience in areas such as master planning, heritage architecture, crime prevention through environmental design, and urban design. Their expertise will be instrumental in guiding the development of residential, commercial, and public spaces throughout Newcastle, ensuring that future projects meet high standards of design and community benefit.