There is plenty of construction work happening in Newcastle right now, and while the road closures and detours can cause disruption, the end results are going to mean big, exciting changes for our city. GWG examines five of Newcastle’s most impressive engineering projects for 2018, giving you all the need-to-know facts and figures on each development.
Singleton Bypass
The New England Highway is a busy road for both commuter and freight traffic and it currently travels right through the town of Singleton. While still in the planning and design phase, the construction of a $90 million bypass west of Singleton, aims to improve the safety and travel time of all travellers along this stretch of road.
The Stats
- Project type: civil, road upgrade
- Project estimated cost: $92 million
- Timing: design phase
- Companies: Aecom (consultant), Daracon (contractor)
Hunter Street Mall Redevelopment
If you live or work in Newcastle you can’t miss the amount of construction works going on in the CBD, all with the aim of revitalising the iconic Hunter Street Mall. Once complete, the whole inner-city area will benefit from this landmark redevelopment project, ensuring our beautiful beach-side CBD will be a premier leisure and entertainment destination for the Hunter.
Developers are currently in the process of constructing several new multistorey structures as well as retaining and reusing a mix of heritage facades such as the old David Jones’ building frontage.
The Stats
- Project type: construction and civil
- Project estimated cost: $220 million
- Timing: early works phase
- Companies: Parkview (builder), Iris (developer)
Newcastle Light Rail Project
This light rail project will provide commuters and city visitors with a regular and reliable rail link into the city centre, stopping at key precincts along the way. It will also play a huge role in the general reinvigoration of Hunter and Scott streets in the CBD.
Part of the Revitalising Newcastle Project sponsored by the NSW Government, this 2.7 kilometres of track will run from the Newcastle Interchange at Wickham, to Pacific Park, just 200 metres from Newcastle Beach. Work has well and truly commenced, and while disruptive to journey times into the city at present, the light rail project is due for completion in late 2018/early 2019.
The Stats
- Project type: civil
- Project estimated cost: $420 million
- Timing: construction commenced on Hunter Street, between Auckland and Darby streets
- Companies: Downer EDI (head contractor), Robson (civil subcontractor)
Westfield Kotara Expansion
Westfield Kotara is centrally located in Newcastle and offers 259 retail stores including Newcastle’s only David Jones. The centre is currently under development with a launch schedule for later this year, which will see the opening of two new international retailers and an additional mall that will house 30 new speciality stores.
The centre will gain extra car spaces in the development and the popular Rooftop dining and leisure precinct will also be extended upon.
The Stats
- Project type: shopping centre expansion
- Project estimated cost: $110 million
- Timing: construction phase
- Companies: Scentre Design & Construction with the support of local companies
Hunter Water Investment
Hunter Water provide drinking water, wastewater, recycled water and some storm water services to homes and businesses across the lower Hunter.
In order to ensure a sustainable water supply and water treatment services for the fast-growing population and development of the region, Hunter Water are investing nearly $300 million into the local market to improve and upgrade existing infrastructure.
This design and construct package of work will help Hunter Water cope with the demands on its current asset base of more than $2.5 billion worth of water, wastewater and recycled water infrastructure.
The Stats
- Project type: design and construct package of works
- Estimated cost: Approximately $300 million in total – $150 million for a design and construct package and $150 million for a Project Management Office (PMO) to be set up in the Hunter.
- Timing: tender stage
- Companies: yet to be announced
For more information on exciting engineering roles in the Hunter region, contact Mitchell Cook on 0402 772 702
