Game-Changing Newcastle Housing Project Seeks Partner

In a first for the Hunter, City of Newcastle is seeking a development partner to transform a prime site in the East End into a landmark affordable housing project.

Known as Rail Bridge Row, the 4125sq m site sits in the heart of the Newcastle CBD, on the former rail corridor.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to Newcastle’s urban evolution while addressing the critical need for affordable housing as part of a mixed-use project that will include multiple levels of units above a ground floor commercial/retail development.

Chief executive Jeremy Bath said this project would set a precedent for future developments on City of Newcastle-owned land, offering private investors and community housing providers a strategic entry point into one of Australia’s most dynamic regional cities.

“As Newcastle prepares for a population increase of more than 40,000 by 2041, the demand for safe, convenient and affordable housing has never been greater,” Bath said.

“We have already demonstrated our commitment to tackling this challenge through a groundbreaking partnership between City of Newcastle and the NSW Government leading to a historic $12-million investment in social housing right here in our city.

“This partnership has already begun to positively impact our local area with the rapid development of additional social housing in Wallsend.

“City of Newcastle is seeking to partner with an experienced community housing provider and other interested parties to deliver the Rail Bridge Row project, creating a new affordable housing model that could potentially be replicated at other sites within Newcastle.”

The Rail Bridge Row EoI is the first of a two-stage procurement process aimed at identifying a development partner with the expertise and vision to design, finance, build and operate an affordable housing project that sets benchmarks for urban renewal.

The selected partner will work collaboratively with City of Newcastle to refine the concept design, secure development approval and deliver a project that enhances the vibrancy of Newcastle’s city centre.

▲ The Rail Bridge Row site is near transport (above) and the waterfront (top).

The project aligns with Newcastle 2040, City of Newcastle’s Community Strategic Plan, which envisions a liveable, sustainable and inclusive global city. 

By partnering with City of Newcastle, developers can contribute to this vision while unlocking new investment potential in the region.

Bath said Newcastle’s transformation into a thriving metropolitan hub presented significant commercial opportunities and the Rail Bridge Row project was set to be a catalyst for future investment in City of Newcastle-owned assets.

“Rail Bridge Row represents an opportunity to invest in Newcastle’s future, taking advantage of our thriving economy, booming events and tourism sector and the revitalisation of the East End precinct,” Bath said.

“The city is experiencing unprecedented growth, fuelled by major events drawing record crowds, a bustling night-time economy and a wave of new developments redefining the urban landscape.”

Rail Bridge Row is perfectly positioned to capitalise on this momentum, located at 280 Hunter Street along the city’s key civic corridor. 

Next to the Crown Street light rail stop and a two-minute walk to the waterfront and Queen’s Wharf ferry terminal, the site offers exceptional connectivity and lifestyle appeal.

For more information on the project or to submit an expression of interest by 7 March visit: https://portal.tenderlink.com/newcastle

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