Masterplanned by SJB, the precinct will feature more than 11,000 square metres of public open space, including a new waterfront park known as ‘Honeysuckle Green’, a plaza anchored around the heritage-listed Wickham School of Arts, improved pedestrian connections and shared public spaces designed to maximise community access to the harbourfront.
The development will feature cultural ‘anchors’ in each of the precinct blocks, including a dedicated cultural centre on Hannell Street. Cultural facilities will be integrated with the heritage-listed former School of Arts building, which will be preserved and adaptively reused, anchoring a new Arts Square alongside a hotel and conference centre, as well as am enhanced Tree of Knowledge park.
SJB is leading the masterplan and executive architecture, with Stewart Architecture, Architecture AND, Curious Practice, Turf Design Studio and SJB Planning also on the project team.
SJB partner Emily Wombwell, who grew up in Newcastle, said the project was a rare city-making opportunity. “City-making projects like this are rare opportunities, and their success depends on genuine collaboration, shared ambition and a deep understanding of place. I’m incredibly proud of the team behind it,” she said. “Having grown up in Newcastle, it’s especially meaningful to help shape such an important part of the city, connecting the waterfront to the interchange and creating a place that tells you, unmistakably, you’ve arrived in Newcastle.”
Huner and Central Coast Development Corporation Chief Executive Valentina Misevska said the milestone reflected community feedback. “Today’s milestone announcement marks a significant moment in the Honeysuckle Urban Renewal Project and reflects what the community told us they wanted to see - a well-connected precinct that prioritises public spaces, strengthens connections to the waterfront and transport, and creates opportunities for vibrant activation,” she said.
Site preparation works are expected to begin in 2026, with the precinct to take shape over 15 years.