CALL FOR BROADMEADOW FOCUS

Our submission to the draft Broadmeadow Place Strategy here: https://lnkd.in/gKU_SRF

We acknowledge the leadership of the NSW Government and City of Newcastle for progressing the precinct. The draft Place Strategy is an important milestone and solid foundation.

If ever there was a big bang project that would put Newcastle on the global map of city destinations and set the direction for growth and development as the region’s population grows beyond 1 million, this is it. Containing the largest remaining consolidated parcels of NSW Government-owned land in Newcastle, this is a rare opportunity to get it right and create something truly outstanding for current and future generations.

We would welcome the vision extended from a ‘loveable’ neighbourhood to creating a global destination and new gateway for the city, a new CBD to a population of 1 million+, and a major transit centre of national significance including high speed rail. That’s the kind of disruption and scale critical to navigating our $66 billion region through economic change and competitiveness in the smart, clean economy.

We argue this opportunity would not have been left untapped in Sydney for so long – action and investment is overdue.

Of course we would be happy with a funded commitment to a new entertainment and conference centre which is shovel ready and can proceed regardless of what else happens at Broadmeadow. But on this occasion, we think Newcastle and the Hunter should reach for the stars, not grasp for crumbs.