City of Newcastle plans to deliver a significant upgrade to improve pedestrian and cycling accessibility, create a safer environment, provide green space and improve amenity for residents and businesses in Georgetown.
Councillors voted tonight to unanimously approve the proposed public domain plan, which will see millions invested into Georgetown’s neighbourhood shopping precinct.
An artist’s impression of the revitalised Georgetown Local Centre.
Traffic calming and safety improvement works will kick off in the coming months, with the remainder of the project to provide a new landscaped pedestrian plaza, improved footpaths, upgraded street furniture and lighting, as well as more street trees and landscaping.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it’s a great outcome for Georgetown, with the plan delivering outcomes highlighted during the recent community feedback.
“Georgetown is rapidly growing with new residential developments that include ground floor commercial opportunities, which will attract more families and business to the area,” Cr Nelmes said.
“It’s important we get the right mix of growth and local amenity for our residents and implement a design that has increased accessibility and encourages pedestrian usage and cyclist safety.
“Feedback from the community during the public exhibition of these plans indicated a strong desire to improve the look and feel of the area, enhance pedestrian safety and connectivity, and increase the number of street trees in the area.
“This upgrade project will meet the needs of the Georgetown community to create a safer, more accessible and attractive environment to visit and enjoy.
“A major component of our Local Centres program includes drainage improvements. We will also look to partner with businesses to beautify local shop fronts through a future Façade Improvement Scheme.”
The early works will support the existing 40km/h zone, with new pedestrian refuges to be installed to make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to safely navigate the area along the busy Georgetown Road.
The major works include a new public plaza at the intersection of Moate Street and Georgetown Road, which will create an attractive destination to support the shopping precinct while also facilitating safer cycle access between Asher Street and Parkview Street.
Ward 3 Councillor and Chair of the Infrastructure Advisory Committee, Peta Winney-Baartz said the Local Centre program is a great way to improve popular neighbourhood shopping precincts for the local community and visitors.
“A refreshed space will encourage residents to support local Georgetown businesses, providing improved spaces to shop, dine, and meet with friends,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
“Our team have worked hard to design and plan improvements to the look and feel of the area that also support a busy suburb, with safer vehicle movements alongside improvements to pedestrian safety.
“There will be community updates provided to businesses and the community to keep them informed as we progress through the upgrades. We’ll also invite local residents and businesses to let us know their ideas for the best use and activation ideas for the new public space later in the year.”
The Georgetown Local Centre upgrade is part of City of Newcastle’s commitment to developing vibrant, safe and active public places.
Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay to read more about the project.