Wallsend set to shine for 150th anniversary celebrations

The footpaths on Wallsend’s main street and around the town's 136-year-old rotunda are looking as good as new thanks to a pressure cleaning campaign.

City of Newcastle (CN) has collaborated with the Wallsend Business Improvement Association (BIA) to undertake the cleaning along Nelson Street, from Dan Rees Street to Boscawen Street, as part of the Special Business Rates (SBR) program.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the cleaning kickstarts CN’s preparations for Wallsend’s 150th anniversary celebrations in August, which will mark the sesquicentenary of local government in the area.

“With its rich Indigenous and post-colonial history, including its declaration as a municipality in 1874, Wallsend has played an important role in our city’s growth and development,” Cr Nelmes said.

“As the celebration of this milestone approaches, we want to make sure Wallsend’s main street is looking its best as we continue our preparations to welcome members of the community into the precinct for the family-friendly event.”

Ward Four councillor and Wallsend resident Elizabeth Adamczyk said the work follows a successful trial last year with the Mayfield BIA.

"The Wallsend BIA has been working hard in recent years to enhance the appeal of the precinct with a range of wonderful community activations including the Wallsend Op Shop Trail and the Handmade Markets at the Rotunda, as well as a calendar of events which have become a regular feature of Christmas festivities,” Cr Adamczyk said.

"Together with the Wallsend BIA, CN has listened to the community about the cleanliness of its suburban shopping precinct footpaths."

The program has been conducted in February, with cleaning taking place after 5pm in order to minimise disruption to local businesses.

Ward Four Councillor Deahnna Richardson said the SBR program is designed to activate and beautify business districts.

“By cleaning and maintaining our suburban shopping precincts we improve their visual amenity to ensure they are inviting places for people to visit, with the benefits flowing onto local businesses," Cr Richardson said.

The Wallsend 150^th celebration will be held on Saturday August 17 and is being planned in partnership with the Wallsend community.

It will include family-friendly activations throughout the town centre, cultural performances, storytelling and a time capsule to be developed with local schools.