At least sixty prime car parking spaces at Honeysuckle in Newcastle will be temporarily closed for approximately three weeks while a decommissioned navigation tower is demolished. The works are scheduled to commence in early February, with the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) lodging a development application valued at $400,000 with the City of Newcastle for the removal of the structure.
Temporary Parking Solutions Implemented
A spokesperson for the HCCDC has confirmed that disruption will be minimised by maintaining the overall number of parking spaces during the project. Approximately seventy temporary car parking spaces will be made available in an adjacent area, effectively replacing those temporarily closed within the demolition zone. This measure ensures that parking supply in the precinct remains consistent throughout the works.
Details of the Navigation Tower Removal
The Throsby Navigation Tower, also known as Navigation Aid 52, stands about thirty metres high and is located in the car park near Hannell Street and Honeysuckle Drive. Owned by the Port of Newcastle, the tower was part of a suite of marine navigation aids essential for safe port operations. A replacement tower has already been constructed and became operational in December, positioned on the seawall alongside Throsby Creek.
A Port of Newcastle spokeswoman explained that the new navigation aid is significantly shorter, at only seven metres above ground, thanks to advancements in light technology. The demolition will involve removing the steel tower structure, reinforced concrete footings, and associated pile foundations. Construction hours are proposed from 7am to 6pm on weekdays, 8am to 1pm on Saturdays, with no works on Sundays or public holidays.
Environmental and Community Impact
A Statement of Environmental Effects submitted with the proposal describes the works as a short-term and contained disruption within a large public parking area that includes alternative parking options nearby. Following the demolition, the pavement will be reinstated, with a marginal improvement to parking efficiency through the inclusion of two additional car parking spaces.
The car park forms part of Honeysuckle HQ, which is the final piece of public land to be redeveloped along Newcastle's former industrial waterfront. The HCCDC is currently working with shortlisted proponents to deliver a dynamic mixed-use precinct on this three-hectare site, which stretches from Cottage Creek to the Wickham marina. A successful development partner is expected to be announced in 2026.
Background and Future Developments
The Port of Newcastle received a notice from the HCCDC in 2021 to relocate the navigation tower to facilitate the site's development. This presented an opportunity to upgrade the infrastructure, resulting in the new, more efficient navigation aid. The demolition is pending approval, with the HCCDC emphasising that the overall parking supply in the precinct will be maintained, ensuring minimal inconvenience to the community during this transitional period.
