Newcastle Council Opens Public Consultation for Proposed $14 Million Motel in Tighes Hill
Newcastle Council has initiated a public submission process for a significant development proposal in Tighes Hill, involving the construction of a 75-room motel valued at approximately $14 million. This project aims to transform the current site, which includes student boarding houses and retail establishments, into a modern accommodation facility targeting short-term visitors.
Details of the Development Application and Site Plans
The development application outlines plans to demolish existing buildings at 173 Maitland Road and 6-8 Bryant Street, replacing them with a 1,455-square-metre motel featuring a basement car park. The estimated cost for the completed project is listed as $14 million, with the site consolidating three parcels of land, including partial incorporation from 177 Maitland Road.
Currently, the properties at 6 and 8 Bryant Street operate as boarding houses for students, offering a total of eight bedrooms. Neighbouring addresses at 177 and 179 Maitland Road also function as boarding houses, all owned by Grahame Dickson and his business partner Kevin Ward. According to property records, Mr Dickson manages additional boarding houses in the Tighes Hill area.
Impact on Current Tenants and Future Use
The proposed motel will exclusively provide short-term accommodation for tourists and business travellers, marking a shift from the current student housing use. Retail spaces in the corner property on Maitland Road are occupied by Bar Sole, a pizza restaurant, and An Apple A Day, an organic supermarket. Mr Ward expressed uncertainty about the future of these vendors, noting that the development plan does not currently include leasable shopfronts, describing the situation as "very challenging".
Mr Ward estimated that the demolition and construction phases would take approximately two years, emphasising the time required to coordinate all aspects of the project. When approached for comment, Mr Dickson declined to discuss the matter further, stating, "There is nothing to discuss."
Location and Broader Context
The development site is situated opposite the Cross Keys Hotel on the same block, which recently reopened in February after undergoing extensive renovations. This project represents a notable change in the local property landscape, potentially affecting housing availability for students and retail operations in the area.
Public submissions are now being accepted by Newcastle Council as part of the approval process, allowing community members to voice their opinions on the proposed motel development before any final decisions are made.
