VIDEO - New tourism and hospitality precinct planned for The Station Newcastle

newy.com.au – The State Government says The Station Newcastle will be transformed into a tourism, retail and hospitality precinct under a 99-year lease with Ashbridge Capital.

Under initial plans, which are subject to approvals, Ashbridge will further restore the heritage buildings and redevelop the site into a destination for shopping, dining and community events. The proposal includes a café, artisanal bakery and specialty fine foods retailers, restaurants with outdoor dining, a wine bar and cellar door, a gastropub focused on regional beers and local produce, a multi-purpose function room on the top floor and boutique short-stay accommodation.

Ashbridge is to prepare a detailed design and seek approval for the refurbishment and activation of The Station’s heritage buildings. Works are expected to begin in 2027, pending approvals.

The government said outdoor areas at the site would continue to host community and public events after the works are completed, including markets, live music, charity events and family-friendly activities. HCCDC said temporary activation of the site would continue throughout 2026 during the design, planning and approvals process.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the redevelopment would create a new harbourside destination for Newcastle. “This is fantastic news for the Hunter. This re-development will bring the Station’s beautiful heritage buildings to life as a harbourside destination for dining, shopping and great community events that will draw locals and visitors back again and again,” she said.

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said the project was aimed at bringing heritage buildings back into community use while supporting tourism and jobs. “Projects like this are exciting because they bring new activations in our cities and put heritage buildings back to the heart of the community,” he said.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said The Station was an iconic city landmark and the project would create a new place to gather and celebrate. He said the community had already embraced the site for pop-up events and the redevelopment would take that activation “to another level”.

HCCDC chief executive Valentina Misevska said the organisation had kept The Station open and active since 2018, delivering landscaping, site enhancements and pop-up events. “We look forward to the next phase of The Station’s life including next-level food, beverage and entertainment offerings,” she said.

Ashbridge spokesperson Vishant Narayan said the company was committed to curating “a mix of drawcard attractions with best-in-class operators” while preserving and celebrating the building’s heritage character.