Hi-Tech Hub to Elevate Newcastle Aerospace Scene
The winds of change are blowing through Newcastle Airport with the latest application for a hi-tech industrial development taking shape in the 124ha Astra Aerolab Precinct.
Greater Newcastle Aerotropolis Pty Ltd, led by City of Newcastle chief executive Jeremy Bath, submitted the application for a 5180sq m office with a 1570sq m hi-tech workshop.
There would also be 200 carparks and additional security built on the 24,822sq m site at Newton Parade, which was now known as 38 Cabbage Tree Road, Williamtown.
The facility designed by EJE architecture would become the next offering in the defence, aerospace and innovation precinct.
It follows the approval of the first two Astra Aerolab developments, including two multi-tenanted buildings, a hybrid office/industrial office and a central hub office in August last year.
The plans for these showed a four-building development as well as a seven-level office building with retail and food outlets on the bottom floors to coincide with the redevelopment of the airport.
Construction on Newcastle Airport upgrades started six months ago but have already experienced headwinds “driven in part by supply-chain issues” pushing its completion to early 2025.
The $250-million program of works was under way across the entire site, including the new terminal, runway upgrade, baggage handling tunnels, the demolition of the old terminal and a new carpark.
The area is also home to the Australian Defence Force’s hub in the Hunter at RAAF Base Williamtown and F-35 Joint Strike Fighters.
There was also the national integrated air and missile defence ecosystem by Lockheed Martin Australia.
Boeing, Raytheon and BAE Systms also operate in the greater Williamstown region.
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