The first of three public art murals at Blackbutt Village is taking shape this week as part of the $4.5 million upgrade of Orchardtown Road shopping precinct.
Newcastle social and artistic enterprise UP&UP Inspirations will produce the murals at three locations in Blackbutt Village following consultation with the New Lambton community and local businesses, with the first adding colour to the northern façade of the Blackbutt Village Grocer.
IMAGE CAPTION: (l-r) City of Newcastle Project Manager Alex Altuneg, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, Councillor Margaret Wood, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, artist Olas One and UP&UP Inspirations co-founder Faith Curtis at Blackbutt Village.
The public art is one of the final elements of City of Newcastle's Local Centre upgrade of Blackbutt Village. The upgrade has already delivered improved access for pedestrians and shoppers, upgraded drainage and enhanced footpath connections to the popular Blackbutt Reserve, which is an inspiration for the murals.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Blackbutt Village will be a more walkable, greener village, filled with local character under the full scope of the improvements.
"Blackbutt Village is where New Lambton locals gather to support their local businesses, grab a coffee and connect with friends and family," Cr Nelmes said.
"We're committed to delivering a safer, more attractive place to shop for New Lambton residents through these upgrades, including the addition of 130 new trees and 23 landscaped garden beds, which will create a more appealing environment with increased shade and colour.
"The murals will add to this appeal, becoming a source of pride that captures how New Lambton locals feel about their green spaces, like the stunning Blackbutt Reserve.
"I'm thrilled with the improvements that have been completed so far in Blackbutt Village and can't wait to see the final stage of the project taking shape over the next six months."
The Blackbutt Village upgrades are made possible through $591,677 in support from the NSW Government.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said Blackbutt Village will have a chance to flourish through the investment by state and local government.
"Blackbutt Village and New Lambton are unique places that deserve to have their character celebrated while providing enhanced facilities, infrastructure and amenity for the suburb," Minister Moriarty said.
"I'm delighted the NSW Government is working alongside City of Newcastle and the New Lambton community taking pride in this beautiful neighbourhood."
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said it's wonderful to see the long-awaited project nearing completion.
"Blackbutt has long been a great place for families to spend weekends together. The new murals will inject colour and character into the precinct so locals can enjoy all it has to offer," Minister Catley said
"It's fantastic that the NSW Government is supporting community projects like this and ensuring we have access to modern public spaces, facilities, and infrastructure. I can't wait to see the rest of the upgrades to Blackbutt village."
City of Newcastle will continue the delivery of the final project stage with new community spaces on Myra Street and Carnley Avenue, and upgrades to the intersection and signals on Carnley Avenue later this year pending design approvals through Transport for NSW.
The completed works will deliver a shared zone for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles, an off-road shared pedestrian and cycleway, and a new pedestrian crossing providing a safer link between the car park and shops.
A community gathering is planned for August 10 in Blackbutt Village to mark the project milestones.
Blackbutt Village is being upgraded through City of Newcastle's Local Centres program, which invests in communities across Newcastle.
Other centres renewal delivered include Beresford Avenue, Beresfield; Mitchell Street, Stockton; Young Street, Carrington; James Street Plaza, Hamilton; Llewellyn Street, Merewether; Joslin Street, Kotara, Sandgate Road, Shortland; Nelson Street, Wallsend; and Darby Street.
