Plan imagines future of Fern Bay-North Stockton

Preliminary planning work has begun to identify a new commercial hub to serve the growing needs of the Fern Bay-North Stockton communities.

Newcastle City and Port Stephens councils have teamed up to prepare a Land Use Strategy to ensure a coordinated approach is taken as residential development expands in the area.

The strategy will investigate potential locations for a new local centre, better ways to connect residential areas, the need for additional community facilities and public recreation areas.

"The aim of the Land Use Strategy is to identify a new local or civic centre for the growing community that straddles Newcastle and Port Stephens," Newcastle City Council Interim CEO Jeremy Bath said.

"Matching the provision of public open space with future demographic demands and mapping out the facilities needed by a growing community are also at the core of the study.

"Both councils are seeking input from the community about how Fern Bay and North Stockton should be planned and serviced moving forward."

The local community can provide early input into the draft strategy via a specially created webpage, which includes a survey and an interactive map of the study area.

Members of the public are also welcome to attend two community drop-in sessions at Fern Bay playground, Vardon Road, Fern Bay, from 3pm to 5pm on Thursday 14 September and at Stockton Library, King Street, Stockton from 9am to 12pm on Saturday 16 September.

Submissions can be made online via the web page or via email, post or handed over the counter at Port Stephens or Newcastle City Councils until close of business close on 22 September 2017.

A draft strategy will be open to comment during a four-week exhibition period next year.