A new lawn area and event screen in Wheeler Place, better pedestrian and cycling connections, and more green spaces are being proposed under a concept plan for Newcastle's historic Civic Precinct.
An artists impression of potential future upgrades for Wheeler Place that could form part of the Civic Public Domain Plan.City of Newcastle is inviting residents to provide feedback on the draft Civic Public Domain Plan, which will shape the future of an area that includes key streets such as King, Darby, Auckland, Merewether and Hunter, along with important spaces such as Civic Park.
The plan aims to preserve the character of the precinct while improving safety, accessibility and amenity, to create an environment where arts, culture, recreation, and events can thrive.
The intent is to ensure consistency in outcomes, regardless of whether new infrastructure is delivered by City of Newcastle, or by the private sector as part of future developments.
Public Domain Plan site mapCity of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said plans for the area will guide future development with a focus on increasing connectivity between important cultural institutions, while supporting the broader renewal of Newcastle's city centre.
"This precinct has been the focus of significant change during the past 10 years, with major developments helping to shape the character of a key destination for residents, students, and visitors," Mr Bath said.
"The Public Domain Plan will solidify the Civic Precinct as our arts and cultural hub, and elevate Newcastle's reputation as a destination for creativity and cultural expression, with increased opportunities for public art, events and activations.
"It's designed to make the area between Civic Park and Honeysuckle more suitable for walking, riding, and using mobility devices, while also adding more green spaces to make the area more enjoyable and keep the city cooler during hot weather.
"Tree planting will also enhance and protect views of valued heritage items, such as the historic relationships between Newcastle City Hall, Civic Park, Wheeler Place and Christie Place.
"We now need community feedback to help inform key features of the final plan, which will ensure a considered and coordinated approach to future works within the city. All of these features will be reviewed and endorsed by key stakeholder groups, the community, and City of Newcastle."
An artists impression of potential future upgrades for Civic Park that could form part of the Civic Public Domain Plan.Newcastle RSL Sub-branch President Peter Griffiths said as a stakeholder with a long connection to Civic Park, the RSL is keen to be involved in the process.
"The RSL wants to ensure the precinct continues to honour the men and women who have served in the Australian Defence Forces," Mr Griffiths said.
"It currently features the WW1/WW2 War Memorial, Vietnam and National Service Memorial, the Folded Wings RAAF Memorial and the Memorial Grove, which includes the Legacy tree.
"We're proud to work with City of Newcastle on this Public Domain plan which acknowledges the fact memorials in Civic Park will continue to be armed service related."
The draft Public Domain Plan is designed to create a seamless and engaging experience for visitors moving between the Newcastle Art Gallery and other nearby cultural institutions such as City Hall, Newcastle Library, Newcastle Museum and the Civic Theatre.
It includes proposed designs for new pedestrian crossings, new and upgraded plazas, as well as footpath and cycleway improvements.
Traffic upgrades to Auckland Street and Darby Street intersections are also proposed, as well as improvements to Christie Park, and acknowledgements of First Nations history and early European settlements.
The draft Civic Public Domain Plan is open for feedback via City of Newcastle's website until 20 May 2025.
Community members can also join interactive "walkshop" events through the precinct on 2 and 3 May or visit City of Newcastle staff at the Olive Tree Markets in Civic Park on 3 May.
