\nHunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) agreed to sell the former rail corridor site, known as Rail Bridge Row, to the City following a competitive public Expression of Interest process.
\nThe lot at 280 Hunter Street stretches from Brown Street to near the intersection of Darby and Hunter Street and is opposite the Crown Street light rail stop. Council approved the purchase at its meeting last week in recognition of the site\u2019s strategic significance.
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![\"Rail-Bridge-Row-inside.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au\/getattachment\/Council\/News\/Latest-News\/Final-parcel-of-former-rail-corridor-sold-to\/Rail-Bridge-Row-inside.jpg.aspx\" "\\"Rail-Bridge-Row-inside.jpg\\"")
\nLord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle\u2019s\u00a0Expression of Interest\u00a0highlighted the importance of the site\u00a0as a junction between King St, Hunter St and the Foreshore, providing improved connectivity and\u00a0safe cycle routes throughout the City.
\n\u201cWe envisage this site will eventually be used for a cycleway connection, as well as a mixed development building that could include ground-floor retail, affordable housing for key workers and commercial uses,\u201d the Lord Mayor said.
\n\u201cAcquiring the Rail Bridge Row site aligns with our vision to bring people to the city centre by strengthening connections between the city and waterfront, creating employment opportunities, providing more public space and delivering better transport.
\n\u201cThe purchase will allow us to deliver a much needed, east-west commuter cycleway and will be followed in coming months by presenting an East-West cycleway concept plan to the Newcastle Cycling Working Party.
\n\u201cDown the track, subject to consultation and approvals, the site at 280 Hunter Street could also allow the City to deliver affordable accommodation for key workers, such as teachers, police officers, firefighters and nurses.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"