Development
Bayswater B Power Station
The NSW Government has approved Macquarie Generation’s plan for another baseload power station in the Upper Hunter. The 2000-megawatt station has concept approval for either gas or coal and will accompany the existing Bayswater Power Station. “Bayswater B” is expected to create up to 1000 construction jobs and 160 operational positions.
Leading-edge new medical research centre
Work is expected to begin mid-year on the Hunter Medical Research Institute’s (HMRI) new building at Rankin Park. HMRI is a partnership between Hunter New England Health, the University of Newcastle, researchers and the community with a focus on neuro-science and mental health, respiratory medicine, maternal and children's health, and cancer. The $90 million centre will be built in the grounds of John Hunter Hospital and has been forecast to have a flow-on effect creating about 680 jobs. It is expected to be complete by March 2012.
Knauf to build Steel River glass wool insulation plant
The NSW Department of Planning has approved a 23-hectare, $167.5 million glass wool insulation manufacturing plant at Steel River, Mayfield. German company Knauf is behind the proposal, which is expected to employ about 140 people and be complete by late 2010.
Anna Bay beach resort approved
Port Stephens Council has approved the proposed Birubi Beach unit resort at Anna Bay. Developer John Byrnes estimates the resort to be worth around $15 million and to create about 250 jobs during construction and 60 permanent positions within the resort itself. In addition to the units, plans include a 200-seat function centre, restaurant, bar and landscaped gardens.
Sand mining approval unlocks $320 million
The NSW Government has approved the Mackas Sand Project on the Stockton Bight near Williamtown. The $1 million project is expected to secure a reliable sand supply for the Hunter and wider Sydney region over the next 20 years, generate around 60 operational and contract jobs and unlock a resource valued at up to $320 million. The project involves the extraction of 30 million tonnes of sand from two sites on the Stockton Bight at a rate of up to 2 million tonnes a year for a period of up to 20 years.
Tomago Industrial Development
The first stage of a three-stage, $130 million Redlake Enterprises Pty Ltd project industrial development at Tomago is expected to be complete before the end of 2013. It will include a WesTrac, one of the world’s largest Caterpillar dealerships, service facility as well as a Caterpillar Institute for the training of apprentice equipment mechanics. The next stage will be the development of related WesTrac facilities including an equipment demonstration area, with the final stage being an industrial park for other businesses including Caterpillar equipment hire company National Hire.
It is estimated about 400 new jobs, including 200 apprenticeships, will be created in the first stage. About 910 jobs are expected to be created during construction work at the Tomago site with flow-on benefits for the Hunter community. The Tomago site will also include distribution, maintenance and training facilities for 400 apprentices.
DA lodged for Morisset subdivision
Landcom has lodged a development application with Lake Macquarie City Council for a residential subdivision at Morisset. The 137-lot development is expected to create 260 jobs.
$200 million marina is underway at Lake Macquarie
A $200 million marina is underway at Lake Macquarie. The Trinity Point Marina is a Johnson Property Group, master-planned lifestyle village. On completion, it will consist of 188 marina berths, 150 apartments, 550 square metres of retail and a convention centre.
Newcastle City Centre Renewal Report
On 26 May, the NSW Government released the Newcastle City Centre Renewal Report. Produced by the Hunter Development Corporation, the report sets out a clear direction to revitalise the Newcastle CBD.
Outlining a long-term strategy, the City Centre Renewal Report sets out practical steps to revitalise the CBD by making it more attractive to private sector investment. Measures include:
- Relocation and expansion of part of the University of Newcastle’s campus.
- Relocation of the State’s justice facilities to the Civic Precinct.
- Creation of in integrated transport network.
- Redevelopment of the Hunter Street Mall and the inner-city retail precinct.
The report outlines three key areas:
- A new business centre and public transport interchange.
- A cultural/civic/university precinct.
- Tourist/residential/retail/historical precinct.
Each of these areas are clearly shown in the following clip, which also includes shots of the CBD as it currently looks, overlaid with images of how the city could be transformed.
$650 million Newcastle CBD Redevelopment
The GPT Group has proposed a $650 million retail, entertainment and commercial development covering the majority of four city blocks.
$500 million Williamtown Aerospace Park
Industrial and commercial developer Hunter Land will spend more than $500 million over 15 years to develop 75 hectares adjacent to Newcastle Airport and RAAF Base Williamtown for the Williamtown Aerospace Park (WAP).
All WAP sites will be fully serviced to meet the modern requirements of aerospace, aviation and related industry companies and its development will solidify the position of RAAF Base Williamtown as Australia’s premier jet training facility and future home of the Jet Strike Fighter.
On full development, WAP will provide 2000 direct jobs and will cater for the progressive relocation of up to one thousand civilian staff currently working on RAAF Base Williamtown.
New life for historic hospital site
The Royal Hospital development will generate significant urban renewal in the Newcastle CBD. Work on Stage One, a $345 million project, is now underway.
Overseen by Mirvac, the development will include a mix of residential apartments, retail and commercial spaces, restaurants, cafes and a 4.5-star hotel.
The project will inject $10 to $15 million dollars into the economy, create 250 jobs during construction and more than 125 full-time jobs when complete.
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle Development Corporation is now in its 17th year of overseeing on of Australia’s largest urban renewal projects – the redevelopment of 50 hectares of once derelict land and buildings along Newcastle Harbour.
The revitalisation of the city has been the key focus of this project and the creation of jobs in the planning, development and tenancy of the various residential, commercial and retail buildings has been a key driver in stimulating investment and attracting people to the city.
To date Honeysuckle has generated 1.35 billion in investment.
$100 million Bonnells Bay residential development
This proposed development will consist of 163 lots ranging in size up to 1800 square metres. The development is situated only minutes from the shores of Lake Macquarie.
$100 million in bulky goods sites
BB Retail Capital has made a significant investment in bulky goods sites in the region, purchasing a 4.1-hectare site at Kotara for $61.5 million. The retail group has also invested $22 million to develop a Homemakers Centre at Warners Bay. The centre will contain 15 showrooms and create 200 jobs during construction.
At Rutherford, Hunter Land has invested $20 million in a bulky goods site. Lots range from 2608 square metres to 7038 square metres.
