Rail Bridge Row: Newcastle Council wins bid for Hunter St site, now set for cycleway, affordable homes

The final section of Newcastle’s rail corridor in Hunter street is a step closer to being developed, with Newcastle Council’s $2 million bid to buy the site, given the thumbs up!

Rail Bridge Row, Hunter street, Newcastle was sold to Newcastle Council for $2 million. Supplied.

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COVID-19 may be halting most things but development in Newcastle continues to forge ahead.

The final section of Newcastle’s rail corridor has been bought up by Newcastle Council for $2 million.

Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) agreed to sell the site — known as Rail Bridge Row — to council following a competitive public expression of interest process.

Future plans for the former rail corridor — which is on Hunter St and stretches from Brown St to near the intersection of Darby St — are an east-west commuter cycleway.

Further down the track, a mixed development building that could include affordable accommodation for key workers such as teachers, police, firefighters and nurses, as well as commercial uses.

Artist Impression - Rail bridge Row will create new space to live, work, eat and play, the addition of homes, jobs and activity to the site. Supplied.

The Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation sold Rail Bridge Row to Newcastle Council. Supplied.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the site is an important junction between King St, Hunter St and the Foreshore, which will provide improved connectivity and safe cycle routes throughout the City.

“Acquiring the Rail Bridge Row site aligns with our vision to bring people to the city centre by strengthening connections between the city and waterfront, creating employment opportunities, providing more public space and delivering better transport,” she said.

Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Rail Bridge Row is an important junction. Picture: Amy Ziniak

In late 2019, HCCDC undertook an expression of interest process for its sale, and received several proposals.

But Acting Chief Executive Valentina Misevska said it was most impressed with Council’s application of mixed-use offering, adding significant community benefit.

“Council’s proposal also supports our goal of creating vibrant, connected places, by incorporating public domain and pedestrian and cycling links,” she said.

“The Rail Bridge Row site creates an important opportunity to frame a section of Hunter Street, with future development to attract more people to live, stay and play in the city centre.

“This will further enhance the emerging city environment and atmosphere.”