A new footpath connecting Blackbutt Village in New Lambton to Blackbutt's Richley Reserve along Freyberg Street has been completed as part of a $3.7 million upgrade of the popular local centre.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said this connection is a first step in delivering a safer, more attractive place for visitors and locals to spend time.
"It's great to see improved accessibility for the community linking these two important locations," Cr Nelmes said.
"The addition of over 30 street trees along Freyberg Street also creates a more appealing environment with increased shade and colour, with more trees being introduced along Dunkley Avenue in the coming weeks.
"Our staff are preparing to commence upgrades to stormwater infrastructure and road surfaces in the western car park area in the next few weeks, as well as seeking community feedback on timed parking options across the broader local centre area.
"When we spoke to the community during the development of this upgrade we heard concerns about pedestrian safety, and also the availability of short-term parking for visiting the shops and local services.
"We look forward to hearing community views on the range of timed parking options which were developed in consultation with local businesses during a workshop held with them earlier this year."
Construction is scheduled for overall completion in early 2024. The upgrade has been supported with a $591,677 grant from the NSW Government under Round Seven of the Resources for Regions program.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said Resources for Regions has delivered 242 projects worth $420 million for mining communities in the last 10 years.
"The NSW Government is committed to supporting regional mining towns that supply our state with these precious resources, and I am grateful to the City of Newcastle for putting forward this project which will support the ongoing prosperity of the local community," Mr Toole said.
"Mining plays a very important part in the NSW economy, supporting tens of thousands of jobs across the state and it will continue to play a role in Newcastle for years to come."
The project is being delivered as part of City of Newcastle's Local Centres program and follows similar upgrades at Carrington, Beresfield, Joslin Street in Kotara, Llewellyn Street in Merewether, James Street Plaza in Hamilton, and the upgrades currently under construction in Stockton and Shortland.
