Merewether Street East and Darby Plaza is set to be transformed into a mix of commercial and residential uses, with the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) today announcing the successful proponents for corridor lands in the city centre.

Put to market earlier this year as two sites that had the potential to be combined, HCCDC has awarded two independent tenders with GWH proposing a mixed-use development and Doma Group proposing an amalgamated outcome using its pre-existing Merewether Street site.

HCCDC Chief Executive and Revitalising Newcastle Program Director Michael Cassel welcomed the milestone as another push for continued revitalisation for the city.

“Newcastle has been crying-out for more tourist accommodation for many years and we are pleased to sign contracts with GWH, which has the potential to realise this much-needed opportunity for the city centre, in addition to new office space and residential apartments, in a true mixed-use development.

“It will be a major catalyst for job creation and a boon for tourism.

“We are also pleased to exchange contracts with Doma Group for an amalgamated site and mixed-use deliverable.

“The corridor site has allowed Doma to reimagine and improve a pre-existing concept for its adjacent site, which is a good outcome for the city.

“It is also in keeping with what the development control plans (DCP) identified as preferred result for the corridor lands,” said Mr Cassel.

As part of the proposed mixed-use opportunity, GWH will work with HCCDC to deliver the Darby Plaza public domain, which will enhance north south connectivity through to the harbour.

“As Newcastle continues to attract investors, we are happy to continue to push the standards of architecture and design, to ensure outcomes are in line with what the community expects for an emerging city.

“Today’s announcement shows that we are also delivering on our commitment to the community to create more attractive public spaces, new homes and more jobs all connected to improved transport options.”

The GWH concept proposes commercial office space, residential apartments and a mixture of accommodation with the potential for up to 40 serviced apartments and ground floor retail space that opens onto Hunter Street and Darby Plaza.

The Doma proposal will enable additional retail activation of Merewether Street with residential apartments above.