East End

The long-term vision for the East End Village is to reinstate Hunter Street as a traditional high street and an attractive destination for locals and visitors, with outdoor dining and boutique retail opportunities.

The East End Public Domain Plan - Phases 1 and 2 are based on the East End Streetscape Plan, adopted in 2018 covering Hunter Street Mall and adjoining streets, with an additional upgrade for streets around the Mall approved by the elected Council in May 2020.

East End works map_ October 2024

CURRENT - Phase 2

Work has now commenced on Phase 2. Valued at approximately $1.9 million, this second phase will focus on a section of Hunter Street bound by Perkins and Brown Streets, as a key pedestrian and cyclist entry point to the East End Village

The streetscape will be improved with new trees and landscaping, and we're currently realigning the road from Brown Street, including relocating and upgrading underground services.

Daracon have been awarded a tender to start works in another section of the Hunter Street Mall on the next multi-million dollar stage of the East End Village revitalisation project. These works will revitalise the streetscape on Hunter Street between Thorn and Wolfe Streets, and on Wolfe Street between King and Scott Streets. 

Hunter Street and Brown Street, Newcastle

Our crews are working hard to complete the work to reopen the site as soon as possible.


Some minor works are outstanding for the area including paving, landscaping and irrigation.


The Evolution - Stage One bronze statues will be relocated to their new home on the Market Street lawn. This new location will have sufficient space to allow all elements of the artwork to be installed. 


Image of the Evolution - Stage One bronze statues


Hunter Street and Wolfe Street, NewcastleThis next stage of the Hunter Street Mall revitalisation will deliver new multi-function street lighting, upgraded street furniture, and fresh landscaping will transform the look and feel of the area with a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees to enhance the character and biodiversity of the street.
There will be some temporary traffic changes while we deliver these upgrades. Traffic control will be onsite to assist pedestrians and vehicles moving through the area
Investigation works to locate existing utility services  The East End has many underground assets with many utilities located in close proximity. 

Daracon are currently working in the following streets:

  • Newcomen Street
  • Hunter Street
  • Thorn Street
  • Scott Street
Out of hours work is required for the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and workers and to provide minimal disruption to businesses and to allow the work can be carried out as efficiently as possible.

These works should be completed by mid-March 2025.

Artist impressions Phase 2

Phase 2: Looking west along Hunter Street, from the Perkins Street intersection.

Phase 2: Looking east along Hunter Street, from the Brown Street intersection.

Hunter and Wolfe Street East End beautificationPhase 2: Looking down Hunter Street toward Wolfe Street.

COMPLETE - Phase 1

Phase one of the East End Village revitalisation project was completed in 2022. We invested $5 million in this first stage, which targeted the block bound by Hunter Street, Wolfe Street, King Street and Perkins Street. The upgrade delivered new paving, landscaping and public amenity improvements in and around Hunter Street Mall.

Intersection of Wolfe Street and Hunter Street.

Future Phases – IN DESIGN

Remaining phases along Hunter Street will follow, with design already underway. These include upgrades on Laing Street, Market Street and potential for Melbourne lane-way style development closing Keightley Street to through traffic.

Plans for the development of the Harbour to Cathedral view corridor linking the Christ Church Cathedral to Newcastle Harbour, may also inform future works.

View the City Centre Project Updates for more information and visit our Works Page to stay up to date with construction progress.