Pearson Street Mall: Charlestown centre set for $2.8M revamp delivering flexible community hub
The Pearson Street Mall is a bit like the ugly sibling of Charlestown Square. But now, the tired looking precinct is getting a $2.8M redevelopment to bring markets, event, live music and food trucks
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A tired looking Lake Macquarie mall is set to be transformed to bring events, markets, live music and food trucks to reinvent the small precinct.
The busy Pearson Street Mall is undergoing a $2.8 million redevelopment to deliver a flexible space for people to connect, eat, work and play within the heart of Charlestown.
The fresh upgrade will revitalise retail and commercial opportunities, transforming the space into a community hub for business, workers and residents.
It will include smart cities initiatives such as smart bins, environmental sensors, Wi-Fi and digital signage, as well as custom-made street furniture, improved street lighting and an upgrade at the intersection of Ridley Street and Pearson Street.
Lake Macquarie Council Manager Assets Management Brendan Callander said the improvements would deliver a safer, pedestrian-friendly precinct.
“As part of the works, we will be replacing the existing pavement, reducing trip hazards and providing safer access through the mall,” Mr Callander said.
“We‘ll also be replacing trees in the mall with mature specimens more suited to the local environment and less likely to cause root damage.”
A gateway to Charlestown Square, Mayor Cr. Kay Fraser said it’s an exciting project for the city.
“The upgrade will allow for events, markets, live music and food trucks, providing opportunities for businesses, workers and residents,” Cr. Fraser said.
“I look forward to seeing this area re-energised and re-purposed.”
It comes after GPT, the owners of Charlestown Square, reinvented their north piazza, The Corner, in December last year, just across the road from the Pearson Street Mall.
The food and entertainment precinct features destination eateries and a roster of local musical talent for an indoor-outdoor alfresco feel.
Works on the Pearson Street Mall are expected to be complete early 2021.