newy.com.au – Hamilton Station Park has reopened after a $290,000 upgrade, clearing the way for the Hawker Street Markets to be held at the site for the first time on September 12.
The work is the latest stage of a response to safety and social problems documented over several years around the park, also known as Awaba Park, and the adjoining railway precinct.
Council papers from 2022 recorded reports from residents, businesses and government agencies of increased drug use, illegal drug dealing, violence, rough sleeping, graffiti, dumping and other anti-social behaviour.
A cross-agency response brought together City of Newcastle, NSW Police, Transport for NSW, health and housing agencies, outreach services, Ward Two councillors and the Hamilton Business Improvement Association.
Newcastle police placed the area on daily tasking for high-visibility and plain-clothes crews in late 2022. Police and the business association also worked through the Business Beat program to encourage traders to report incidents, allowing police to identify patterns and direct resources.
Council later stressed that anti-social behaviour around the park could not be attributed solely to homelessness, identifying addiction, criminal behaviour, complex mental health needs and other factors as contributing to the problems.
Council officers had also warned that rebuilding the public space would not, by itself, stop drug dealing or meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness or mental illness.
The physical changes were therefore developed as one part of a broader response involving policing, outreach services and calls for additional housing, mental health and alcohol and other drug support.
An earlier $150,000 project completed in 2023 improved lighting, removed graffiti, installed murals, repaired seating and removed some fencing that restricted access and sightlines through the park.
The latest project expands that safer-by-design approach. It was shaped by community feedback and recommendations from NSW Police and other agencies, and received an $80,000 NSW Government Community Building Partnership grant.
The redesign follows Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles. Removing the remaining perimeter railing and opening up the landscaping has improved sightlines, while better lighting and moving the donation cupboard to a visible position are intended to reduce concealed areas and improve safety.
Accessible seating, paths, water and electricity connections and an event-ready hardstand are designed to encourage more residents, commuters and families to use the space throughout the day and evening.
Markets and other community events form part of what council describes as positive activation: bringing more regular activity into the park so it becomes a place people choose to use rather than avoid.
“While the upgrade will not resolve all the complex social issues in the area, it will encourage positive use of the space,” Ward Two councillor Jenny Barrie said.
Cr Barrie said the project was intended to make the park more functional, accessible and safe, while allowing it to host events more often.
A new kerb ramp and modular seating with handrails have been installed, while an all-weather path now provides access around the park’s Moreton Bay fig for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users and people with prams.
The path is made from recycled permeable material designed to drain quickly. A surface garden has also been created beneath the fig to protect its root system.
The same material has been used for the hardstand area, providing a stable surface suitable for food trucks during community events.
Electrical upgrades will support a security light and colour-changing lighting on bollards in the garden. New water connections have supplied a drinking bubbler, tap and dog bowl.
A weatherproof donation cupboard has been moved to a visible, well-lit position at the front of the park.
The upgrade also includes a sign featuring artwork by local Indigenous artist Koan Cashman and information about the continuing connection of Traditional Custodians to the area.
The reverse side will serve as a noticeboard carrying details of community support services and local activities promoted by the Hamilton Business Improvement Association.
Association chair Kasey Pollard said the park was an important entrance to the Beaumont Street precinct for people arriving by train.
“This space acts as a gateway to Beaumont Street for many people travelling to the area by train,” Ms Pollard said.
“The upgrade provides a much better first impression to the Hamilton business precinct and we expect the surrounding businesses to find this beneficial for trade with improved visitation.”
The Hawker Street Markets will bring food vendors, outdoor dining, live music, face painting and roving entertainment to the park. Neon signs will be used to illuminate the event.
Ms Pollard said the park’s larger usable footprint should improve the market experience for traders and visitors.
