Joslin Street Local Centre's multimillion-dollar upgrade to include expanded public open space

Kotara’s Joslin Street is the latest City of Newcastle local centre to be given a makeover with a $2 million upgrade to improve public amenity, pedestrian safety and access, now underway.
City of Newcastle is upgrading suburban centres across the local government area including those recently completed in Carrington and Beresfield. Recently completed was the first two stages of Wallsend, including the works at Bunn Street and the Tyrrell Street Bridge.
Also upcoming in this local centre upgrade program are the works in Llewellyn Street, Merewether and the next stage of Wallsend, the intersection upgrades at Kokera and Cowper streets.
^{(L-R): Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, Project Manager Patrick Burgess and Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz at the Joslin Street Local Centre.}
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Joslin Street upgrade followed comprehensive consultation with the local community and would make for a more accessible centre for local shopping and commerce.
“Kotara residents and Joslin Street businesses told us that pedestrian safety and amenity of the area were key priorities for an upgrade,” the Lord Mayor said.
“A key element of this upgrade is expanding the public open space on the corner of Joslin Street and Rae Crescent by removing the slip road and beautifying the area with landscaping and an interactive artwork sculpture.
“Stacked sandstone blocks, a picnic table and bench seating, as well as a bubbler with a dog drinking bowl will further add to the amenity of this currently underutilised and inaccessible space.
“The works we’re undertaking now will make Joslin Street a more attractive and useable community space for Kotara’s current residents while catering for the growing number of young families in the area.”
A pedestrian refuge and speed humps will be installed to slow vehicle movements and better connect the shopping precinct and the new-look public open space, while lighting upgrades will provide a safer night-time environment.
Construction on the Joslin Street Local Centre is expected to be completed within a year. Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/localcentres for more information.