The final section of Newcastle’s former rail corridor has been purchased for $2 million by City of Newcastle in a decision which will strengthen the City’s cycling infrastructure and support the ongoing revitalisation of the CBD.
Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) agreed to sell the former rail corridor site, known as Rail Bridge Row, to the City following a competitive public Expression of Interest process.
The lot at 280 Hunter Street stretches from Brown Street to near the intersection of Darby and Hunter Street and is opposite the Crown Street light rail stop. Council approved the purchase at its meeting last week in recognition of the site’s strategic significance.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle’s Expression of Interest highlighted the importance of the site as a junction between King St, Hunter St and the Foreshore, providing improved connectivity and safe cycle routes throughout the City.
“We envisage this site will eventually be used for a cycleway connection, as well as a mixed development building that could include ground-floor retail, affordable housing for key workers and commercial uses,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Acquiring the Rail Bridge Row site aligns with our vision to bring people to the city centre by strengthening connections between the city and waterfront, creating employment opportunities, providing more public space and delivering better transport.
“The purchase will allow us to deliver a much needed, east-west commuter cycleway and will be followed in coming months by presenting an East-West cycleway concept plan to the Newcastle Cycling Working Party.
“Down the track, subject to consultation and approvals, the site at 280 Hunter Street could also allow the City to deliver affordable accommodation for key workers, such as teachers, police officers, firefighters and nurses.”
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