Designing Newcastle’s Future: $1.45 Billion in Developments Reviewed by City Panel in Last 12 Months

newy.com.au – A total of $1.45 billion in proposed developments were reviewed by the City of Newcastle’s Urban Design Review Panel (UDRP) in 2024, as the expert group worked to balance the need for new housing with preserving liveability across the city.

The UDRP conducted 67 design review sessions over the past year, offering professional guidance on 49 development applications ranging from large-scale projects to smaller residential proposals. The panel’s work is detailed in its 2024 Annual Report, which is scheduled to be presented at next week’s Newcastle Council meeting.

Key proposals reviewed by the panel included the DOMA Group’s $130 million twin-tower apartment development known as The Store, a $19.4 million education facility on University Drive at Callaghan, a $6.1 million residential complex in Hamilton and a nearly $12 million co-living project on Denison Street in Newcastle West.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director Planning and Environment, Michelle Bisson, said the panel plays an essential role in raising the standard of urban design across the city. “The panel provides independent, impartial, and expert advice to City of Newcastle and applicants about the quality of the urban design and amenity of development proposals and strategic design projects,” Ms Bisson said. “The increase in demand for their services has seen the panel increase to seven members, plus the Chairperson, which has helped to cover the large number of applications.”

UDRP Chairperson Dr Philip Pollard said the group valued its involvement in all levels of development. “We continue to see the face of Newcastle change and develop in an exciting manner, but we’re mindful of the wonderful Indigenous and colonial heritage we’ve inherited,” Dr Pollard said. “We’re delighted to see an increase of instances where applicants are presenting designs prior to the Development Application stage, proving applicants value of our advice.”

In addition to its review role, the UDRP also serves as the Design Integrity Panel for selected developments, helping to ensure that design quality and original intent are preserved through to the completion of construction. In 2024, the panel monitored 17 major projects, including the Dairy Farmers Towers in Newcastle West, a 16-dwelling development on Church Street in Mayfield and Stages 3 and 4 of the Hunter Street East End precinct by Iris Capital.

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