newy.com.au – Daracon Group has been awarded the contract for the final phase of Newcastle’s Hunter Street Mall overhaul, with work on Hunter and Newcomen streets due to begin in January.
Councillors approved the tender unanimously. The work forms part of City of Newcastle’s East End Village project to turn the mall into a traditional high street. The broader project is supported by $16.7 million from the Australian Government’s regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.
City of Newcastle executive director city infrastructure David Witherdin said the council was targeting completion in early 2028.
“Importantly for everyone in the area, we are working towards an early 2028 completion date for this phase,” Mr Witherdin said.
“This will mean residents, businesses and visitors will experience less disruption and be able to enjoy this renewed space sooner.”
The Hunter and Newcomen street works will include new road surfaces, footpaths, street trees and gardens, along with underground infrastructure.
A new public plaza is also planned for Market Street, between Hunter and Keightley streets. It will provide a place to sit and gather, featuring a new piece of public art celebrating Newcastle’s Indigenous history.
The two way cycleway established during earlier stages will be extended to provide a connection between the city and the harbour.
Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said the federal funding would allow the council to deliver the project years earlier than originally expected. Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said the investment would support local jobs and businesses and welcomed the planned plaza and Indigenous artwork.
The work will add to streetscape upgrades already completed on Hunter, Perkins, Brown and Wolfe streets. The council says the improvements are intended to integrate with almost $1 billion in residential development in Newcastle’s East End.
Further project information and artist impressions are available through the council’s East End project page.
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