$16.7m for Newcastle’s East End Cathedral Park precinct

18 August 2025

newy.com.au – The East End Cathedral Park Precinct in Newcastle will receive $16.7 million through the Albanese Government’s regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has announced.

The funding is part of the $400 million regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP) and one of 15 new projects designed to unify regional places, grow local economies and serve communities. The package targets precinct-scale improvements that support jobs, tourism and better connections in regional, rural and remote Australia.

According to the announcement, the project will enhance links along Hunter Street by defining a “Harbour to Cathedral” connection and delivering upgrades to streets, including off-road cycleways, terraced landscapes, augmentation of the sewer network and heritage rectification works. The precinct partners are the City of Newcastle, Iris Capital, Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation and the local community.

The proposal adopts a holistic, long-term design approach aimed at making the East End Harbour Precinct an exemplary regional destination. Planned works are expected to support urban renewal through high-quality streetscapes while improving access to active and public transport across the broader cycleway network, reducing car dependence and maintaining quality public spaces.

Off-road cycleway links will be incorporated throughout the precinct to enable commuters to travel between the city’s residential and retail hubs and natural areas including the harbour, parklands and beaches. Streetscape upgrades and heritage rectification are intended to complement nearby development while preserving the character of the East End.

Sharon Claydon, Federal Member for Newcastle, said the investment would deliver tangible benefits for the city. “This $16.7 million investment in the East End Cathedral Park precinct is a huge win for Newcastle,” she said. “It will transform this much-loved part of our city into a vibrant and welcoming space for locals and visitors alike – celebrating our heritage, boosting tourism, and creating a greener, more connected community. I’m proud to be part of an Albanese Labor Government that is backing projects that make Newcastle an even better place to live, work, play and visit.”

Kristy McBain, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, said the program was focused on long-term regional outcomes. “The Albanese Government is committed to investing in regional, rural and remote Australia to create jobs, build opportunity and unlock economic growth and productivity – ensuring that our regions remain great places to live, work and play,” she said. “Our investments are planning and building more liveable and productive precincts across the state through effective local regional partnerships that provide long-term benefits.”

The Government said further rPPP applications were under assessment, with more announcements to follow. For program information, visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website.