Stockton’s Mitchell Street set for a facelift

City of Newcastle will increase the number of street trees in Stockton’s main street from three to 40 as part of a $3.3 million upgrade to start in early 2021.

The project will give Mitchell Street a makeover to improve public spaces, pedestrian and cyclist safety, and increase shade as part of the City’s Local Centres program.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that the investment would deliver a more attractive space for shopping and dining as Stockton’s population grows.

“The community has told us that that they love the atmosphere of Stockton’s main street and shopping precinct, but they want an improved public space,” the Lord Mayor said.

“A key feature of this upgrade is the significant increase in street trees which will provide much needed shade and add to the colour and character of this important shopping and business centre within Stockton.

“An innovative design has been developed to create space for these trees and still allow space for parking and footpaths. Local businesses will be able to take advantage of shade for street side dining, and shoppers will have a more pleasant place to spend time or catch up with friends.

“We’re now inviting the community to view the plans on our website or in Stockton Library and let us know their thoughts before starting construction in the New Year.

“This investment is one of 26 projects valued at more than $17 million delivered in Stockton over the past five years, including coastal protection works and the much-loved Stockton Active Hub.”

Plans for the upgrade are available on City of Newcastle’s website, and on display at Stockton Library from today until December 14.

The Mitchell Street upgrade will include drainage improvements, new footpaths and street furniture, landscaping including new street trees and raingardens, and a reduction in speed limit to 40 km/hr to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety.

City of Newcastle is delivering the Mitchell Street upgrade as part of its record $116 million 2020-21 capital works program designed to support the local economy in response to COVID-19.

Suburban hubs across the local government area are being revitalised as part of City of Newcastle’s Local Centres program, with Carrington and Beresfield completed while Joslin Street Kotara, Llewellyn Street Merewether and Orchardtown Road New Lambton are underway.

Visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay to have your say on the Mitchell Street upgrade.