Local Centres Program

What is a Local Centre?

The Local Centres Public Domain Program guides upgrades of local and neighbourhood centres throughout the Newcastle Local Government Area. We aim to improve the quality of these centres, which play an important role in the community and local economy.

Local centres are zoned B2, and neighbourhood centres are zoned B1 under the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012. To avoid confusion, we refer to both local and neighbourhood centres as "local centres" in our communications with the community.

Our Public Domain Plan for each centre aims to improve the streetscape and access, and also improve traffic and safety. Our upgrades often include improvements to footpaths, planting trees and installing new street furniture.

Where are they located?

We have already delivered upgrades in some parts of Newcastle, and others are being planned, designed or delivered.

Beresfield Local Centre

Beresfield Local Centre

COMPLETE. We delivered major improvements to the drainage, stormwater system, roads, pathways and lighting in the local centre of Beresfield in 2019.
Orchardtown Road, New Lambton

Orchardtown Road, New Lambton

IN CONSTRUCTION. Works are underway on our upgrade to Blackbutt Village, improving safety and encouraging local shoppers to visit and enjoy new public spaces.
Carrington Local Centre

Carrington Local Centre

COMPLETE. We dramatically improved drainage, roads, pathways and parking along Young Street, Carrington in 2019.
Georgetown Local Centre

Georgetown Local Centre

IN PLANNING - Georgetown is set for a facelift. We are in the early stages of planning the Local Centre upgrade, and recently sought community feedback.
James Street Plaza, Hamilton

James Street Plaza, Hamilton

COMPLETE. We recently upgraded Hamilton's James Street Plaza to create an open, multi-use space that is safe, inviting and well activated by the community.
Joslin Street, Kotara

Joslin Street, Kotara

COMPLETE. We improved safety, upgraded roads and footpaths, and delivered a new public open space for the Kotara community in early 2021.
Llewellyn Street, Merewether

Llewellyn Street, Merewether

COMPLETE. We upgraded roads and footpaths, and delivered new street furniture and planting to improve the experience for shoppers and residents at Llewellyn Street in early 2021.
Streets as Shared Spaces Trial Activation, Darby Street

Streets as Shared Spaces Trial Activation, Darby Street

TRIAL COMPLETE - We have worked to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, accessibility and the outdoor dining experience along Darby Street.
Mitchell Street, Stockton

Mitchell Street, Stockton

COMPLETE. We have upgraded drainage, roads and footpaths - and installed new street gardens and furniture to improve Stockton's Mitchell Street.
Shortland Local Centre

Shortland Local Centre

COMPLETE. We have improved safety features and accessibility in Shortland through the completion of the Shortland Local Centre upgrade.
Wallsend Local Centre

Wallsend Local Centre

ONGOING. Wallsend is a large commercial centre so we are delivering our upgrade in separate stages.
Waratah Local Centre

Waratah Local Centre

IN PLANNING - Waratah is set for a facelift. We are in the early stages of planning the Local Centre upgrade, and are currently seeking community feedback.
Local Centres Facade Improvement Scheme

Local Centres Facade Improvement Scheme

ONGOING. After we finish our upgrades of Local Centres we offer grants to business and property owners in these areas to help fund repairs and improvements to the outside of their buildings through this grant program.
Moore Street, Birmingham Gardens

Moore Street, Birmingham Gardens

ON HOLD. Our planned update to roads, footpaths, lighting and landscaping at Moore Street is on hold due to issues raised through earlier consultation.