Newcastle’s Last Rail Corridor Site to Become Affordable Housing Hub

30 January 2025

newy.com.au – The City of Newcastle is actively seeking a development partner for its landmark affordable housing initiative, Rail Bridge Row, situated on Hunter Street within the former heavy rail corridor. This project aims to address the city’s growing need for affordable housing as the population is projected to increase by over 40,000 by 2041.

The Rail Bridge Row site, spanning 4,125 square metres from Brown Street to near the intersection of Darby and Hunter Streets, is envisioned to provide more than 30 affordable housing units managed by an experienced community housing provider. The City of Newcastle has issued a national invitation for expressions of interest (EOI) to identify suitable partners capable of delivering this project. EOIs are open until 7 March 2025.

This development is part of a broader strategy to increase affordable housing supply in Newcastle. The city has previously partnered with the NSW Government, resulting in a $12 million investment in social housing, including rapid development in areas like Wallsend.

The Rail Bridge Row project also represents the final segment of the old rail corridor to be developed, marking a significant milestone in the city’s transformation since the closure of the heavy rail line in 2014. The decision to close the rail line was controversial, with debates about its impact on the city’s connectivity and development.

In addition to housing, the site has been earmarked for an important east-west commuter cycleway connection between Argyle Street and Wharf Road, enhancing Newcastle’s cycling infrastructure and promoting sustainability.

Regular updates on the Rail Bridge Row Affordable Housing Project will be provided on the City’s website. Interested parties are encouraged to review the EOI documentation and consider participating in this significant initiative to address affordable housing needs in Newcastle.