Draft plan for Medowie town centre goes on public display

newy.com.au – Port Stephens Council has endorsed the public exhibition of a draft Medowie Town Centre Masterplan, opening a new vision for Council-owned land opposite Woolworths to community feedback.

The plan outlines how the site could evolve into a vibrant, modern and welcoming hub for Medowie, with more recreation space, new housing close to shops and improved walkability, while reflecting the area’s existing character.

Port Stephens Deputy Mayor Chris Doohan said the draft masterplan provided “a blueprint for the future development” of the key parcel of Council-owned land.

“This masterplan will provide a blueprint for the future development of the Council-owned land opposite Woolworths,” Cr Doohan said.

“It aims to extend the town centre, creating a central recreation hub and meeting space, providing new homes close to town and improving walkability. It’s about shaping a place that reflects Medowie’s character,” he said.

The draft builds on the Medowie Place Plan, which was adopted in 2023, and incorporates ideas and aspirations gathered from residents and local businesses over the past two years. Council says feedback has come through workshops, drop-in sessions and meetings with community members and stakeholders.

Central Ward Councillor Jason Wells said the community’s priorities had come through clearly during that work.

“We’ve gathered so many great ideas from the community through workshops, drop-in sessions, and countless meetings,” Cr Wells said.

“We consistently heard that the community wanted to see more recreation spaces, improved retail choice, diverse housing and inclusive public spaces that cater to everyone, regardless of their abilities.

“This draft masterplan is designed to strengthen community connections and shape a vibrant and accessible town centre that meets the needs of the growing Medowie community,” he said.

The proposal envisages a central recreation hub and meeting spaces that can serve as a focal point for local events and day-to-day activity, as well as better pedestrian connections through and around the site to encourage people to walk between homes, shops and public spaces.

Central Ward Councillor Ben Niland said the plan was also about setting up Medowie for future investment.

“We want to create a vibrant town centre that will boost our local economy by attracting new businesses, creating jobs, and encouraging ongoing investment,” Cr Niland said.

“Continuing the momentum through the development of the masterplan and into implementation will be a critical part of the process, with Council already exploring funding opportunities through development contributions and grant funding,” he said.

The exhibition of the draft Medowie Town Centre Masterplan will give residents another chance to shape the final plan, with Council encouraging further comments on the layout, land uses and public spaces proposed for the site.

“Although the official public exhibition period kicks off in February 2026, staff will be at the upcoming Medowie Community Carols to talk with residents about the draft,” Cr Doohan said.

“This plan is an exciting step forward, and we encourage the community to share their thoughts to help us create a town centre that’s a destination for both residents and visitors,” he said.

The draft masterplan and feedback portal are available online at pscouncil.info/medowie-town-centre-masterplan, with formal submissions to open from February 2026.