Modern new green space replaces former Civic railway site in Newcastle
The $5m Museum Park was unveiled on Tuesday, delivering versatile open space to sit and relax, connect and learn in the heart of the Newcastle CBD.
Newcastle
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Another new open space has popped up in Newcastle, transforming the former Civic railway station site into a lush green community space.
Museum Park was unveiled on Tuesday — the $5 million project delivering versatile open space to sit and relax, connect and learn in the heart of Newcastle’s CBD.
Part of the plan to revitalise Newcastle, it offers modern designed open space, a historic footbridge, one-of-a-kind feature bench, green garden, and an interactive lighting display which comes to life at night.
Taylor Martin, Liberal MLC for the Hunter, said Museum Park was a shared vision that has come to life.
“The community has played a big role in the creation of this park through extensive consultation,” he said.
“Newcastle is a really exciting place to be right now with great public open spaces popping up right across the city.
“The park is bringing people into the city centre, connecting the CBD to the waterfront, creating great public domain and preserving heritage.”
Mr Martin said the Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) consulted heritage experts to retain the site’s history, such as incorporating original building materials into the landscape.
“The historic footbridge has been reinterpreted as a full-scale paving feature, enhancing open space while recognising the history of the site,” he added.
“The haunched beam from the footbridge has found new life as a one-of-a-kind feature bench and the former rail lines have been replaced with an interactive lighting display, adding movement and colour to the garden; sure to be a hit with kids.”
The former Civic Station building has also been restored and renovated and will house a new visitor information centre from early next year.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the new park is a demonstration of Newcastle’s resilience and ability to continually reinvent itself.
“Site by site, the former rail corridors are making way for high quality green and public spaces for the community to relax, right in the centre of the CBD,” Mr Stokes said.
“This fantastic new public space will also make it easier for people to get around with new walkways that connect the city centre to the waterfront and the exciting Honeysuckle precinct.”
The creation of Museum Park and surrounding areas has delivered a $5 million boost to the local economy and provided 300 construction jobs.