Promising new blueprint for Wickham
Newcastle City Council has released the draft Wickham Master Plan which has been designed to service the needs of both current and future communities by providing effective connectivity, inclusive communal spaces in a functionally built environment.
The vision of The Master Plan is that “redevelopment will support increased residential densities as well as economic and employment generating uses that complement and support the adjoining emerging commercial core of the Newcastle City Centre located within Newcastle West.”
Formerly a semi-industrial suburb on the outskirts of the CBD, Wickham has transformed into a mixed use urban neighbourhood, with new residential developments under construction and many more in planning. The area is gaining the attention of investors as new projects enrich the suburb with lively activity.
Three key objectives to this master plan include:
1. Improved accessibility and connectivity within Wickham and to adjoining areas
2. Creation of safe, attractive and inclusive public spaces
3. Ensure built environment is functional, responsive and resilient
The four-year delivery plan is the Council’s blueprint guiding the progressive redevelopment underway in Wickham. The suburbs core strength is the development of the Newcastle Transport Interchange as it integrates the Sydney to Newcastle heavy rail terminus, light rail connection to Newcastle East and bus connection to other centres and suburbs within the greater Newcastle metropolitan area.
There are four changing demographics evolving as a result of the predicted continuous demand for inner city residential apartments.
- Decrease in household size
- Our aging population
- Rising land values causing high needs for increased densities and
- The desire for homes to be within walking distance of public transport as a result of rising travel expenses
In terms of employment, Wickham has seen a positive shift in the transition from manufacturing based to service based local engagement. Location is another excellent drawcard the master plan identifies as an opportunity to build upon. Positioned on Throsby Creek adjacent to Newcastle Harbour and neighbouring the CBD with an adjoining public transport interchange, Wickham delivers access to various destinations.
Wickham Park integrates the local community and provides a range of activities and facilities. The eclectic urban character of Wickham allows for a wide-ranging mix of land use with a view to sustained heritage and vibrant public art. By utilising its post-industrial style the master plan sees scope for a variety of building types and scales.
When forecasting urban renewal. it is important to consider land availability. Assembly of development sites through consolidation of multiple individually owned sites is key. In Wickham’s case, there is a readily available supply of large former industrial sites which lend themselves to supporting substantial development.
Wickham’s 'village hub' comprises of rail, harbour and park edge precincts. As a Rail edge precinct, the community benefits may include such things as, additional social housing, identified road widening along Railway Lane and also Bishopsgate Street as well as providing additional car parking to cater for commuters, city employees and the adjoining residential area to the north.
The harbour edge precinct builds on the recreational and economic opportunities on offer within this prime waterfront location, reflecting a maritime character supporting entertainment and tourism activities in favour of residential uses. The provision of technological infrastructure and piloting of ‘smart city’ initiatives within proximity to public transport, residential and lifestyle options, make this an ideal location for emerging technological and creative industries, characterised by flexible work places that enable collaboration and resource sharing.
The Park edge precinct provides an active edge and natural surveillance to the eastern side of Wickham Park from residential apartment development and clusters of commercial and retail uses. A key message regarding urban activation from the local landowners and business workshop was a desire for spaces that provide relief from hard surfaces and the bustle of the urbanised environment, where people can take time out, gather or participate in activity. Union Street is envisaged to develop as a high amenity pedestrian environment with widened footpath and street tree planting, it will act as the main north-south pedestrian route between the transport interchange and the master plan area.
Wickham is an inner city suburb on the harbour’s edge. A place where cafes and restaurants coupled with new residential development will enrich the suburb to create a village hub that is brimming with life.
Source: Newcastle City Council's Wickham draft Master Plan
https://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Development/Land-Use-Planning/Wickham-Master-Plan-Project