An ambitious multi-million-dollar 10-year action plan to revitalise Newcastle could become a reality if the community backs a rate increase to deliver nine key civic projects including new cycleways and upgrading key cultural and recreational facilities.

The projects deliver on the community’s vision for the city developed after 18 months of extensive consultation culminating in the Newcastle Community Strategic Plan.

Revitalising Hunter Street

We know that revitalising and reinvigorating Hunter Street is a significant priority for the community. After extensive consultation, Council has a clear idea about the community’s vision for the future of Hunter Street.

Over the next 10 years Council will work alongside the NSW Government and the private sector to deliver initiatives to revitalise Hunter Street. Council plans to contribute $16.6 million to this project.

Find out more about Hunter Street Revitalisation.

Revitalising our coast

In 2010, Council and the NSW Government consulted widely with the community to develop a masterplan for managing our coastal resources. We have identified a number of major projects to revitalise the coast, including Bathers Way and parkland improvements and new seating.

Over the next ten years Council plans to contribute $35.9 million towards this project.

We love our coast, find out more.

Improving our swimming pools

The City of Newcastle operates five swimming centres with an average age of 37 years. There are a number of challenges Council needs to consider to deliver sustainable aquatic facilities that meet community needs into the future. A key component of our pool improvement project is to design and construct the Newcastle Aquatic and Leisure Centre at Lambton.

Over the next ten years Council plans to contribute $25 million to upgrading pools and delivering the new aquatic centre

Modernising our libraries

Council is currently operating a library service with one Central Library and eight branch libraries. The existing service is struggling to meet the changing technologies and expectations of the community. Council wants to upgrade our libraries with new modern facilities to better suit community needs.

Over the next ten years Council plans to spend $42.9 million modernising our libraries.

Providing new cycleways

Council has recently developed a Newcastle Cycling Strategy and Action Plan which represents our commitment to enhancing cycling in Newcastle. It includes actions and targets relating to the city’s bicycle network and infrastructure.

Over the next ten years Council plans to contribute $15.7 million on cycleways.

Expanding our Art Gallery

Newcastle Art Gallery boasts one of the most comprehensive collections of Australian art of any regional gallery in the country. The Art Gallery expansion project will increase display space, education workshop space and storage facilities. New features will include a revenue-making café and function space.

Over the next ten years Council plans to contribute $19 million to the Art Gallery.

Find out more about the Art Gallery redevelopment.

Upgrading Blackbutt Reserve

Blackbutt Reserve is the green heart of Newcastle, providing visitors the chance to enjoy nature trails, wildlife exhibits and recreational facilities. Projects to upgrade the reserve include the construction of a playground and toilet block, kiosk, education centre and BBQ shelters at Carnley Avenue.

Over the next ten years Council plans to contribute $8.7 million to this project.

Making parking easier

The City of Newcastle is developing a Parking Strategy to provide parking spaces for visitors, retail users and residents in a more equitable manner. Further community consultation will be conducted as part of the development of this strategy.

Over the next ten years Council will contribute $2.8 million to implementing the parking strategy.

Maximising revenue from our parking stations

A critical component of Council’s Parking Strategy is to reduce the demand for on-street parking by making public transport and parking more viable.

Over the next ten years Council will contribute $10 million to modernise parking stations.