A multimillion-dollar upgrade to revitalise the heart of Georgetown has kicked off today, designed to enhance the safety, accessibility and amenity of the neighbourhood shopping precinct.
The first stage of the City of Newcastle project will upgrade speed control devices and introduce additional entry infrastructure to reduce driver speeds and support the existing 40km/hour zone, while work to renew the existing bus stop will improve access to transport for commuters with accessibility needs.
Corrin Dedman and Chelsea Fleming from Koko Hairdressing and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with City of Newcastle work crews as construction on the Georgetown Local Centre project kicks off today
The following stages will make it easier to safely navigate the precinct on foot, with new pedestrian refuges to be installed on the busy Georgetown Road. Drainage improvements and underground utility work will also be completed in the coming months to prepare the precinct for the broader rejuvenation of the local centre.
When complete, the upgraded Georgetown local centre will include a new plaza in Moate Street, wider footpaths, around 30 additional street trees and safer cycle access between Asher and Parkview streets.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Georgetown Local Centre improvements will be a win for residents and businesses.
"Georgetown is a historic village with a lovely character that deserves to be celebrated and preserved," Cr Nelmes said.
"We are committed to creating an attractive, leafy, thriving village centre through this project. Georgetown will be our ninth precinct upgraded as part of our Local Centres program, which has already seen more than $20 million invested into our community and small business areas."
Corrin Dedman, from Koko Hairdressing in Georgetown, said the upgrades would allow the neighbourhood to keep pace with its growing popularity.
"We're excited for the new plaza and upgrades to the streetscape," Ms Dedman said.
"Georgetown is a growing area and these improvements will be great for locals and our salon visitors."
Adrian Taricani, from On Point Natural Medicine in Georgetown, said the upgrades would boost the neighbourhood.
"The upgrade is an exciting time for the Georgetown community and everyone who comes here. We're especially excited for the added greenery and the improved street appeal," Mr Taricani said.
A new electric vehicle (EV) kerbside charging station will also be installed in Georgetown to support City of Newcastle's commitment to sustainability and net zero emissions. The charging ports are being rolled out in 11 locations across Newcastle with support from a $270,000 grant under the NSW Government's Electric Vehicle Strategy.
Georgetown is being upgraded through City of Newcastle's Local Centres program, which invests in communities across Newcastle.
Other local centres completed include Beresford Avenue, Beresfield; Mitchell Street, Stockton; Young Street, Carrington; James Street Plaza, Hamilton; Llewellyn Street, Merewether; Joslin Street, Kotara, Sandgate Road, Shortland and Blackbutt Village, New Lambton.
