Developer's bold plan to create 'Newcastle's Double Bay'

The Advertiser

06-08-2025

Plans for a seven-storey, 40-unit mixed-use development that its backers hope will help transform The Junction into Newcastle's version of Sydney's Double Bay have been revealed.
Boasting four top-floor penthouses and a basement car park, the $30 million proposal for between 189-197 Union Street and 11-15 Kenrick Street represents the biggest development proposal to occur in the inner Newcastle suburb in decades.
"If you look at the type of development that has been happening in and around Double Bay over the past 15 years... we believe the same thing can happen here in Newcastle," Diverse Property Constructions development manager Mark Randon said.
"We want to create improved pedestrian walkways, vibrant green spaces, and outdoor dining zones with state-of-the-art facilities; our goal is to enhance The Junction's amenity, accessibility, and economic strength."
A pre-development application shows the project will house 280 residents and create 210 construction jobs.
The 24-metre high proposal will also require a significant increase to the area's current 10-metre height limit.
If all goes well, Mr Randon said he hoped construction could begin in late 2026 or early 2027.
Mr Randon said the design process had been informed by feedback from local businesses and stakeholders to ensure the project aligned with community needs and aspirations.
"This project represents a significant investment in the future of The Junction: delivering a thriving, integrated development that people will be proud to live, work, and socialise in. We aim to truly reflect the values of the community and contribute to the long-term economic and social vitality of The Junction," he said.
"In addition to strengthening the local business environment and creating new employment opportunities, the project places a strong emphasis on sustainability and inclusive design, ensuring that The Junction continues to be a place where people foster a strong sense of place and purpose."
An environmental impact statement is presently being prepared for the State Significant Development.
Artist's impressions of the proposed design are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
The project also complements the state government's push to introduce higher-density housing in key locations across the Lower Hunter, including the Junction.
Other locations include Adamstown, Hamilton and Kotara stations, Green Hills, Mayfield, Belmont, Boolaroo, Cessnock, Maitland, Nelson Bay and Raymond Terrace town centres.
The government says the low and mid-rise housing policy will reintroduce housing choice and diversity back into urban planning by filling in the 'missing middle' between high-rise apartments and greenfield development.
Speaking in the lead-up to the June state budget, NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the government would look at tweaking the program to better suit market conditions.
"We will always look to see whether we can tweak policy settings to reflect the conditions we're currently in, but we have made a lot of progress in showing people that these are really fantastic communities in which to live and fantastic communities in which to raise families," he said.
"I see the [Transport-Oriented Development] policy as being a really good first step in showing people that we are serious about solving the housing crisis, but equally respectful of people's desire to live in terrific neighbourhoods."
Plans for a seven-storey, 40-unit mixed-use development that its backers hope will help transform The Junction into Newcastle's version of Sydney's Double Bay have been revealed.
Boasting four top-floor penthouses and a basement car park, the $30 million proposal for between 189-197 Union Street and 11-15 Kenrick Street represents the biggest development proposal to occur in the inner Newcastle suburb in decades.
"If you look at the type of development that has been happening in and around Double Bay over the past 15 years... we believe the same thing can happen here in Newcastle," Diverse Property Constructions development manager Mark Randon said.
"We want to create improved pedestrian walkways, vibrant green spaces, and outdoor dining zones with state-of-the-art facilities; our goal is to enhance The Junction's amenity, accessibility, and economic strength."
A pre-development application shows the project will house 280 residents and create 210 construction jobs.
The 24-metre high proposal will also require a significant increase to the area's current 10-metre height limit.
If all goes well, Mr Randon said he hoped construction could begin in late 2026 or early 2027.
Mr Randon said the design process had been informed by feedback from local businesses and stakeholders to ensure the project aligned with community needs and aspirations.
"This project represents a significant investment in the future of The Junction: delivering a thriving, integrated development that people will be proud to live, work, and socialise in. We aim to truly reflect the values of the community and contribute to the long-term economic and social vitality of The Junction," he said.
"In addition to strengthening the local business environment and creating new employment opportunities, the project places a strong emphasis on sustainability and inclusive design, ensuring that The Junction continues to be a place where people foster a strong sense of place and purpose."
An environmental impact statement is presently being prepared for the State Significant Development.
Artist's impressions of the proposed design are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
The project also complements the state government's push to introduce higher-density housing in key locations across the Lower Hunter, including the Junction.
Other locations include Adamstown, Hamilton and Kotara stations, Green Hills, Mayfield, Belmont, Boolaroo, Cessnock, Maitland, Nelson Bay and Raymond Terrace town centres.
The government says the low and mid-rise housing policy will reintroduce housing choice and diversity back into urban planning by filling in the 'missing middle' between high-rise apartments and greenfield development.
Speaking in the lead-up to the June state budget, NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the government would look at tweaking the program to better suit market conditions.
"We will always look to see whether we can tweak policy settings to reflect the conditions we're currently in, but we have made a lot of progress in showing people that these are really fantastic communities in which to live and fantastic communities in which to raise families," he said.
"I see the [Transport-Oriented Development] policy as being a really good first step in showing people that we are serious about solving the housing crisis, but equally respectful of people's desire to live in terrific neighbourhoods."
Plans for a seven-storey, 40-unit mixed-use development that its backers hope will help transform The Junction into Newcastle's version of Sydney's Double Bay have been revealed.
Boasting four top-floor penthouses and a basement car park, the $30 million proposal for between 189-197 Union Street and 11-15 Kenrick Street represents the biggest development proposal to occur in the inner Newcastle suburb in decades.
"If you look at the type of development that has been happening in and around Double Bay over the past 15 years... we believe the same thing can happen here in Newcastle," Diverse Property Constructions development manager Mark Randon said.
"We want to create improved pedestrian walkways, vibrant green spaces, and outdoor dining zones with state-of-the-art facilities; our goal is to enhance The Junction's amenity, accessibility, and economic strength."
A pre-development application shows the project will house 280 residents and create 210 construction jobs.
The 24-metre high proposal will also require a significant increase to the area's current 10-metre height limit.
If all goes well, Mr Randon said he hoped construction could begin in late 2026 or early 2027.
Mr Randon said the design process had been informed by feedback from local businesses and stakeholders to ensure the project aligned with community needs and aspirations.
"This project represents a significant investment in the future of The Junction: delivering a thriving, integrated development that people will be proud to live, work, and socialise in. We aim to truly reflect the values of the community and contribute to the long-term economic and social vitality of The Junction," he said.
"In addition to strengthening the local business environment and creating new employment opportunities, the project places a strong emphasis on sustainability and inclusive design, ensuring that The Junction continues to be a place where people foster a strong sense of place and purpose."
An environmental impact statement is presently being prepared for the State Significant Development.
Artist's impressions of the proposed design are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
The project also complements the state government's push to introduce higher-density housing in key locations across the Lower Hunter, including the Junction.
Other locations include Adamstown, Hamilton and Kotara stations, Green Hills, Mayfield, Belmont, Boolaroo, Cessnock, Maitland, Nelson Bay and Raymond Terrace town centres.
The government says the low and mid-rise housing policy will reintroduce housing choice and diversity back into urban planning by filling in the 'missing middle' between high-rise apartments and greenfield development.
Speaking in the lead-up to the June state budget, NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the government would look at tweaking the program to better suit market conditions.
"We will always look to see whether we can tweak policy settings to reflect the conditions we're currently in, but we have made a lot of progress in showing people that these are really fantastic communities in which to live and fantastic communities in which to raise families," he said.
"I see the [Transport-Oriented Development] policy as being a really good first step in showing people that we are serious about solving the housing crisis, but equally respectful of people's desire to live in terrific neighbourhoods."
Plans for a seven-storey, 40-unit mixed-use development that its backers hope will help transform The Junction into Newcastle's version of Sydney's Double Bay have been revealed.
Boasting four top-floor penthouses and a basement car park, the $30 million proposal for between 189-197 Union Street and 11-15 Kenrick Street represents the biggest development proposal to occur in the inner Newcastle suburb in decades.
"If you look at the type of development that has been happening in and around Double Bay over the past 15 years... we believe the same thing can happen here in Newcastle," Diverse Property Constructions development manager Mark Randon said.
"We want to create improved pedestrian walkways, vibrant green spaces, and outdoor dining zones with state-of-the-art facilities; our goal is to enhance The Junction's amenity, accessibility, and economic strength."
A pre-development application shows the project will house 280 residents and create 210 construction jobs.
The 24-metre high proposal will also require a significant increase to the area's current 10-metre height limit.
If all goes well, Mr Randon said he hoped construction could begin in late 2026 or early 2027.
Mr Randon said the design process had been informed by feedback from local businesses and stakeholders to ensure the project aligned with community needs and aspirations.
"This project represents a significant investment in the future of The Junction: delivering a thriving, integrated development that people will be proud to live, work, and socialise in. We aim to truly reflect the values of the community and contribute to the long-term economic and social vitality of The Junction," he said.
"In addition to strengthening the local business environment and creating new employment opportunities, the project places a strong emphasis on sustainability and inclusive design, ensuring that The Junction continues to be a place where people foster a strong sense of place and purpose."
An environmental impact statement is presently being prepared for the State Significant Development.
Artist's impressions of the proposed design are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
The project also complements the state government's push to introduce higher-density housing in key locations across the Lower Hunter, including the Junction.
Other locations include Adamstown, Hamilton and Kotara stations, Green Hills, Mayfield, Belmont, Boolaroo, Cessnock, Maitland, Nelson Bay and Raymond Terrace town centres.
The government says the low and mid-rise housing policy will reintroduce housing choice and diversity back into urban planning by filling in the 'missing middle' between high-rise apartments and greenfield development.
Speaking in the lead-up to the June state budget, NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the government would look at tweaking the program to better suit market conditions.
"We will always look to see whether we can tweak policy settings to reflect the conditions we're currently in, but we have made a lot of progress in showing people that these are really fantastic communities in which to live and fantastic communities in which to raise families," he said.
"I see the [Transport-Oriented Development] policy as being a really good first step in showing people that we are serious about solving the housing crisis, but equally respectful of people's desire to live in terrific neighbourhoods."