From Tired to Thriving: Hunter Street Mall's Next Chapter
Newcastle's iconic Hunter Street Mall is set for another significant transformation as City of Newcastle calls for contractors to deliver the next stage of the East End Village revitalisation. The latest works will focus on Hunter Street between Thorn and Newcomen Streets, along with Market Street between Hunter and Keightley streets, bringing much-needed upgrades to the historic precinct.
What the Revitalisation Entails
The streetscape improvements will mirror the successful work already completed at the western end of Hunter Street, featuring new footpaths, roadways and cycleways, fresh landscaping and essential underground infrastructure works. Robert Dudgeon, City of Newcastle's City Infrastructure executive director, said the project is central to realising council's vision for a liveable and vibrant city centre.
"For many Novocastrians, the old Hunter Street Mall really felt like the heart of Newcastle and the East End Village revitalisation is bringing that feeling back," Mr Dudgeon explained.
Market Street will undergo a particularly dramatic change, transforming into a public gathering space that improves connections between the harbour and city centre. The redesign will include an art installation celebrating Newcastle's rich Indigenous history, acknowledging the area's cultural significance.
Federal Funding Accelerates Progress
The project received a significant boost in August when the federal government announced $16.7 million in funding to progress the East End and Cathedral Park Precinct project. Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said the investment is helping unlock the full potential of the city's heart.
"The Albanese Labor government's $16.7 million investment in the East End and Cathedral Park Precinct is helping to unlock the full potential of our city's heart," Ms Claydon stated.
The tender process for the latest stage of works will close in December, with the project designed to integrate with nearly $1 billion of residential development occurring in Newcastle's East End. This coordination aims to transform the area into a vibrant and welcoming space for residents, visitors and shoppers alike.
Additional elements of the broader project include streetscape upgrades on Newcomen Street between Hunter Street and Scott Street, plus the next stage of the Cathedral Park master plan. These works will enhance accessibility to the park and acknowledge the site's role in Newcastle's early post-settlement history.
