City registers new record for building approvals

Another record year has been registered on Newcastle's development front with the total value of building approvals topping $1.2 billion.

City of Newcastle (CN) approved $1.02 billion in development applications in the 12 months to July this year, with another $94.8 million in complying development certificates* issued by both CN and private certifiers.

Projects worth another $98 million, including two mixed-use Honeysuckle developments, were approved by the State Government to see the yearly total top $1.2 billion.

"The results for the 2017/18 financial year are a fantastic outcome with Newcastle continuing to attract strong development and investment activity," Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

"Our enduring building boom is clear to see on the CBD's skyline as clouds gather elsewhere around the country, while other indicators and new efficiencies we're introducing point towards a sustained period of growth.

"Following a successful trial of development applications by email, we hope to make this a permanent convenience for builders and developers in the very near future."

Other projects in the local pipeline, such as the Store's transformation into mixed-use towers, promise to keep the annual total buoyant despite a national downturn in the residential market.

Amid sustained strong development locally, the City continues to balance infrastructure renewal with revitalisation projects to meet the higher service expectations that accompany the growth.

The 2018/19 budget features a record $100 million civil works program focused on addressing the city's infrastructure backlog but also supports the clear strategy to create a smart, liveable and sustainable global city.

"Our budget includes a works program for 2018/19 that strikes a balance between essential asset renewal and new and upgraded services to the community," the Lord Mayor added.

"It includes more than $23.5 million on roads and footpaths, $13 million to renew buildings, structures and places and $8.2 million to implement our Smart City Strategy."

* Complying development is a fast-track approval process for straightforward residential, commercial and industrial development. If the application meets specific criteria, it can be determined by a council or accredited certifier.