Latest news with #NewcastleCityCouncil
The Advertiser
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
New entertainment centre moves forward as calls to progress Broadmeadow precinct grow
The Property Council has called for the next steps to be taken in the delivery of the Broadmeadow Precinct - a project considered vital to the Lower Hunter's growth. The council has called for the finalisation of the precinct's stage 1 rezoning, the commitment of critical funding, and the appointment of a dedicated agency to coordinate delivery. The 313-hectare precinct has the potential to deliver 20,000 homes and 15,000 jobs over the next 30 years. Consultation on the precinct's place strategy closed a year ago. "The Department of Planning and Newcastle City Council have done the hard yards over the last few years - the place strategy is in place, and community feedback has been heard loud and clear," Property Council Hunter and Central Coast regional director and former Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said. "Now we need to see the rubber hit the road - industry is standing by to help turn this vision into reality, starting with rezoning, infrastructure investment, and the appointment of a single delivery agency to lead the charge." In a recent significant development, a new Newcastle Entertainment Centre, considered to be the centrepiece of the precinct, has been listed in the planning section of the NSW Infrastructure Pipeline website. The pipeline provides a forward view of state government infrastructure that is under development. It includes infrastructure projects with a minimum capital value of $50 million that the government has committed to commence planning for. Ms Nelmes said the precinct's stage 1 rezoning was a chance to create 3,200 well-located homes close to transport, jobs and services. "Rezoning land for housing is the first step - it's time to back in this ambitious vision with support from all levels of government and the private sector. "Appointing the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) as a delivery lead would give the region confidence that housing, transport, jobs and community spaces will move forward together, making sure land use, infrastructure and investment decisions work together. "Industry wants to invest in Newcastle - let's seize the chance to show that Broadmeadow is open for business, growth and inclusive development." Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley backed the push to progress the Broadmeadow precinct and said the rezoning process was due to be finalised in coming months. "Once finalised, the Broadmeadow Rezoning will outline how government-owned land can be utilised so that more housing, including affordable and diverse housing, is available for the people of the Hunter region. It is due to be finalised in the coming months," she said. "This builds on other government initiatives such as the Transport Oriented Development program, low and mid-rise reforms and work through the Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation that will see more investment, homes and jobs for the region. "The rezoning of land represents a major step forward in unlocking the Hunter's full potential." Ms Nelmes said a whole-of-government approach was essential to coordinate planning, investment, and delivery across the precinct. "The NSW Government is serious about delivering on our housing targets - so securing funding now for early infrastructure delivery will send a clear signal that Broadmeadow is open for growth, investment, innovation, and inclusive community development," Ms Nelmes said. "This isn't just about homes. It's about creating a vibrant mixed-use precinct that supports jobs, services and inclusive community development for generations to come. The Property Council will host 'Broadmeadow's Moment: Unlocking Regional Growth Through Precinct Renewal' event at NEX in Newcastle West on 22 August. The Property Council has called for the next steps to be taken in the delivery of the Broadmeadow Precinct - a project considered vital to the Lower Hunter's growth. The council has called for the finalisation of the precinct's stage 1 rezoning, the commitment of critical funding, and the appointment of a dedicated agency to coordinate delivery. The 313-hectare precinct has the potential to deliver 20,000 homes and 15,000 jobs over the next 30 years. Consultation on the precinct's place strategy closed a year ago. "The Department of Planning and Newcastle City Council have done the hard yards over the last few years - the place strategy is in place, and community feedback has been heard loud and clear," Property Council Hunter and Central Coast regional director and former Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said. "Now we need to see the rubber hit the road - industry is standing by to help turn this vision into reality, starting with rezoning, infrastructure investment, and the appointment of a single delivery agency to lead the charge." In a recent significant development, a new Newcastle Entertainment Centre, considered to be the centrepiece of the precinct, has been listed in the planning section of the NSW Infrastructure Pipeline website. The pipeline provides a forward view of state government infrastructure that is under development. It includes infrastructure projects with a minimum capital value of $50 million that the government has committed to commence planning for. Ms Nelmes said the precinct's stage 1 rezoning was a chance to create 3,200 well-located homes close to transport, jobs and services. "Rezoning land for housing is the first step - it's time to back in this ambitious vision with support from all levels of government and the private sector. "Appointing the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) as a delivery lead would give the region confidence that housing, transport, jobs and community spaces will move forward together, making sure land use, infrastructure and investment decisions work together. "Industry wants to invest in Newcastle - let's seize the chance to show that Broadmeadow is open for business, growth and inclusive development." Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley backed the push to progress the Broadmeadow precinct and said the rezoning process was due to be finalised in coming months. "Once finalised, the Broadmeadow Rezoning will outline how government-owned land can be utilised so that more housing, including affordable and diverse housing, is available for the people of the Hunter region. It is due to be finalised in the coming months," she said. "This builds on other government initiatives such as the Transport Oriented Development program, low and mid-rise reforms and work through the Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation that will see more investment, homes and jobs for the region. "The rezoning of land represents a major step forward in unlocking the Hunter's full potential." Ms Nelmes said a whole-of-government approach was essential to coordinate planning, investment, and delivery across the precinct. "The NSW Government is serious about delivering on our housing targets - so securing funding now for early infrastructure delivery will send a clear signal that Broadmeadow is open for growth, investment, innovation, and inclusive community development," Ms Nelmes said. "This isn't just about homes. It's about creating a vibrant mixed-use precinct that supports jobs, services and inclusive community development for generations to come. The Property Council will host 'Broadmeadow's Moment: Unlocking Regional Growth Through Precinct Renewal' event at NEX in Newcastle West on 22 August. The Property Council has called for the next steps to be taken in the delivery of the Broadmeadow Precinct - a project considered vital to the Lower Hunter's growth. The council has called for the finalisation of the precinct's stage 1 rezoning, the commitment of critical funding, and the appointment of a dedicated agency to coordinate delivery. The 313-hectare precinct has the potential to deliver 20,000 homes and 15,000 jobs over the next 30 years. Consultation on the precinct's place strategy closed a year ago. "The Department of Planning and Newcastle City Council have done the hard yards over the last few years - the place strategy is in place, and community feedback has been heard loud and clear," Property Council Hunter and Central Coast regional director and former Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said. "Now we need to see the rubber hit the road - industry is standing by to help turn this vision into reality, starting with rezoning, infrastructure investment, and the appointment of a single delivery agency to lead the charge." In a recent significant development, a new Newcastle Entertainment Centre, considered to be the centrepiece of the precinct, has been listed in the planning section of the NSW Infrastructure Pipeline website. The pipeline provides a forward view of state government infrastructure that is under development. It includes infrastructure projects with a minimum capital value of $50 million that the government has committed to commence planning for. Ms Nelmes said the precinct's stage 1 rezoning was a chance to create 3,200 well-located homes close to transport, jobs and services. "Rezoning land for housing is the first step - it's time to back in this ambitious vision with support from all levels of government and the private sector. "Appointing the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) as a delivery lead would give the region confidence that housing, transport, jobs and community spaces will move forward together, making sure land use, infrastructure and investment decisions work together. "Industry wants to invest in Newcastle - let's seize the chance to show that Broadmeadow is open for business, growth and inclusive development." Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley backed the push to progress the Broadmeadow precinct and said the rezoning process was due to be finalised in coming months. "Once finalised, the Broadmeadow Rezoning will outline how government-owned land can be utilised so that more housing, including affordable and diverse housing, is available for the people of the Hunter region. It is due to be finalised in the coming months," she said. "This builds on other government initiatives such as the Transport Oriented Development program, low and mid-rise reforms and work through the Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation that will see more investment, homes and jobs for the region. "The rezoning of land represents a major step forward in unlocking the Hunter's full potential." Ms Nelmes said a whole-of-government approach was essential to coordinate planning, investment, and delivery across the precinct. "The NSW Government is serious about delivering on our housing targets - so securing funding now for early infrastructure delivery will send a clear signal that Broadmeadow is open for growth, investment, innovation, and inclusive community development," Ms Nelmes said. "This isn't just about homes. It's about creating a vibrant mixed-use precinct that supports jobs, services and inclusive community development for generations to come. The Property Council will host 'Broadmeadow's Moment: Unlocking Regional Growth Through Precinct Renewal' event at NEX in Newcastle West on 22 August. The Property Council has called for the next steps to be taken in the delivery of the Broadmeadow Precinct - a project considered vital to the Lower Hunter's growth. The council has called for the finalisation of the precinct's stage 1 rezoning, the commitment of critical funding, and the appointment of a dedicated agency to coordinate delivery. The 313-hectare precinct has the potential to deliver 20,000 homes and 15,000 jobs over the next 30 years. Consultation on the precinct's place strategy closed a year ago. "The Department of Planning and Newcastle City Council have done the hard yards over the last few years - the place strategy is in place, and community feedback has been heard loud and clear," Property Council Hunter and Central Coast regional director and former Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said. "Now we need to see the rubber hit the road - industry is standing by to help turn this vision into reality, starting with rezoning, infrastructure investment, and the appointment of a single delivery agency to lead the charge." In a recent significant development, a new Newcastle Entertainment Centre, considered to be the centrepiece of the precinct, has been listed in the planning section of the NSW Infrastructure Pipeline website. The pipeline provides a forward view of state government infrastructure that is under development. It includes infrastructure projects with a minimum capital value of $50 million that the government has committed to commence planning for. Ms Nelmes said the precinct's stage 1 rezoning was a chance to create 3,200 well-located homes close to transport, jobs and services. "Rezoning land for housing is the first step - it's time to back in this ambitious vision with support from all levels of government and the private sector. "Appointing the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) as a delivery lead would give the region confidence that housing, transport, jobs and community spaces will move forward together, making sure land use, infrastructure and investment decisions work together. "Industry wants to invest in Newcastle - let's seize the chance to show that Broadmeadow is open for business, growth and inclusive development." Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley backed the push to progress the Broadmeadow precinct and said the rezoning process was due to be finalised in coming months. "Once finalised, the Broadmeadow Rezoning will outline how government-owned land can be utilised so that more housing, including affordable and diverse housing, is available for the people of the Hunter region. It is due to be finalised in the coming months," she said. "This builds on other government initiatives such as the Transport Oriented Development program, low and mid-rise reforms and work through the Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation that will see more investment, homes and jobs for the region. "The rezoning of land represents a major step forward in unlocking the Hunter's full potential." Ms Nelmes said a whole-of-government approach was essential to coordinate planning, investment, and delivery across the precinct. "The NSW Government is serious about delivering on our housing targets - so securing funding now for early infrastructure delivery will send a clear signal that Broadmeadow is open for growth, investment, innovation, and inclusive community development," Ms Nelmes said. "This isn't just about homes. It's about creating a vibrant mixed-use precinct that supports jobs, services and inclusive community development for generations to come. The Property Council will host 'Broadmeadow's Moment: Unlocking Regional Growth Through Precinct Renewal' event at NEX in Newcastle West on 22 August.
Daily Mail
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Locations of migrant hotels are kept secret - to safeguard the 'privacy' of asylum seekers
Migrant hotels are being kept a secret from communities to maintain their residents' privacy, it has emerged. It comes after The Mail on Sunday revealed that of occupants at 70 hotels – just a third of those used – a remarkable 312 asylum seekers had been charged with 708 criminal offences, including rape. A former manager at one of the hotels said he had caught one migrant in his room with a lingerie-clad woman as they filmed a pornographic video to earn money on the OnlyFans website. Last year saw mobs surrounding asylum seekers' accommodation, and even threatening to burn them down, in the wake of the murder of three girls in Southport. Last night more than 100 demonstrators resumed their protest outside a migrant hotel in Epping, Essex. The Home Office says there are 32,345 asylum seekers being put up at taxpayer expense in hotels, with another 66,683 in houses and flats. But it has now become evident that the location of many of the 220 hotels involved – typically turned over entirely to migrants, with normal custom turned away – is being kept quiet on 'data protection' and privacy grounds. According to the Sunday Telegraph, Newcastle City Council suggested last week that it and the Home Office were legally barred from informing locals of the presence of a hotel occupied by migrants, saying: 'We would not share a resident's personal information with other residents, unless we had specific legal reasons to do so.' And a spokesman for Tower Hamlets council in London said: 'We do not announce when asylum seeker hotels are set up in the borough.' There is similarly a lack of public statistics about crimes committed by migrants nationwide – but Mail on Sunday analysis of court records gives weight to claims that the hotels are sources of a disproportionate amount of crime. A single hotel in central London – the Thistle City Barbican – saw 41 residents charged with a total of 90 offences in three years. The migrant 'porn film' was reported by The Sun on Sunday following an interview with a former hotel manager in the North West. He said the incident took place last summer at the 18th-century Metropole in Blackpool and involved a Syrian man and a female migrant. 'The guy had a whole set-up, a camera on a tripod at the end of the bed, sex toys everywhere. The couple were running an illegal porn business from the hotel. He told us he was filming it to put on OnlyFans.' He said the man was simply moved to another hotel as a sanction. The Government says the three big firms it pays billions to house migrants – Serco, Clearsprings, and Mears – have made profits of almost £383 million from the business since 2019 alone. The Home Office said: 'While most people comply with the rules, our contractors must maintain order and immediately report any issues. Cases of illegal working, including online, antisocial behaviour, or safeguarding breaches can lead to support being cut.' Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'These hotels full of illegal immigrants are dens of illegal working, criminality and now we learn depravity as well.'
BBC News
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
A167 Central Motorway roadworks through Newcastle confirmed
Major roadworks through the heart of a city are set to cause more travel chaos for the next 18 months, council bosses have warned.A £9m programme to upgrade the A167(M) Central Motorway in Newcastle is due to begin in mid-August and drivers are being told by the city council the project will be "highly disruptive".Engineers will repair decayed concrete on the elevated viaduct section of the motorway, which runs from the junction with the Great North Road to the New Bridge Street roundabout in the city works will require the busy route, which is used by up to 80,000 vehicles a day, to be reduced to one lane in each direction during the daytime and fully closed overnight. Restrictions are set to start coming into force in the week of 11 City Council said the works would "be highly disruptive to the travelling public" once the full overnight closures, which will also include key slip roads, begin. 'Structural issues' It will add to the travel headache already faced by motorists on central Tyneside, the Local Democracy Reporting Service of the Tyne Bridge's four lanes have been closed since last year and the condemned Gateshead Flyover has remained shut ahead of its impending checks carried out on the Central Motorway's 1970s structure earlier this year confirmed it had deteriorated, though transport bosses have said the structural issues are not as urgent as those that forced the closure of the Gateshead Flyover last Labour-run council said major maintenance to the viaduct for the first time since 2004 was needed to "future-proof the structure" and that it had to be done "at the earliest opportunity" to avoid further repairs have been planned as part of a larger £41.4m refurbishment scheme, the bulk of which is focused on the ongoing restoration of the Tyne Bridge. Follow BBC Newcastle on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
15-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Two Newcastle parks given back Green Flag awards
Two city parks have won back their Green Flag status, a year after losing the prestigious and Walker parks, both in Newcastle, have reclaimed the Keep Britain Tidy accolade for green spaces after missing out a year 150-year-old Leazes Park was the subject of a row over damage caused after it hosted a music festival in May 2024, while there were concerns over anti-social behaviour and arson at Walker Flag judges said "great strides have been made" to improve the parks over the past year. Newcastle City Council took control of the city's parks when management charity Urban Green Newcastle (UGN) was put into liquidation. The return of the flags at the two parks, as well as the existing awards retained at Exhibition Park and Jesmond Dene, means Newcastle has four parks that hold the status with the environmental charity. Judges said there had been "huge improvements" in order to "return Leazes Park to a very attractive, well-managed green space much enjoyed by a great number of visitors". The Victorian park was not even entered for the 2024 awards, while locals had complained of the historic attraction being "damaged beyond repair" under UGN's Hay, the Labour-run council's deputy leader, thanked volunteers and friends groups, as well as businesses and the public, for their support and time which has lead to the "fantastic achievement".He said: "Urban Green Newcastle achieved a great deal during its five years, and the progress we've made since March shows we are building on that strong foundation. "The news that four of our parks have met the high standards required for Green Flag accreditation is a credit to the hard work and commitment of the teams who maintain them, making sure they remain enjoyable for both residents and visitors." Blakelaw councillor Marion Williams, of the Friends of Leazes Park, said the community had "worked hard" alongside the city council to win back the Green Flag through measures such as litter picks, and there were plans to plant a new warned it would "take time" to make major repairs, but there was now a "working relationship" between friends groups and parks chiefs. Follow BBC Newcastle on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
10-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Drug recovery hub in Newcastle library hailed a success
A controversial decision to open an addiction recovery centre in a library has been hailed a major success. Newcastle City Council announced its decision to open the drug and alcohol addiction recovery hub at Fenham Library in than 3,000 people signed a petition opposing the project over fears local children would not be safe and claimed the community was not properly Labour councillor Joyce McCarty, who represents the Wingrove ward, said the concerns raised had been unfounded and the council had not received any complaints about the hub. "I think the investment in Fenham Library has been really successful," she said. "At the time, there were quite a lot of concerns in the community but putting the substance misuse service in the community is exactly where it ought to be."It has not been a problem at all." The hub offers services including counselling, peer support groups, and help for young people affected by substance misuse, according to the Local Democracy Reporting does not offer a needle public health director for Newcastle and Gateshead, Alice Wiseman, said the decision to open the rehabilitation centre in the library was "really brave and the right decision to make". "They enable the community to thrive and to tackle the issue of stigma at the same time," she said. Follow BBC Newcastle on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.
