A group of local engineers, planners, architects and developers have submitted a plan for a new cruise terminal at Wickham, an initiative the group says will bring more tourism and jobs to the Newcastle CBD.
Sent to Planning Minister Pru Goward earlier this month, the submission by the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Hunter Chapter includes various restaurant, retail and hotel opportunities.
UDIA Hunter Chapter Chair Geoff Rock said the plan was certainly worth investigating further as part of the Newcastle Urban Renewal.
“In the interest of supporting local business and ultimately creating more jobs, it makes sense to look at locating the cruise terminal on the waterfront at Wickham, close to the proposed Wickham interchange,” he said.
“Currently around 20,000 cruise passengers are disembarking 2kms by road from the CBD, having the option to bypass the city and head straight to key attractions such as Hunter Valley.*“If the terminal is moved, those passengers will arrive within walking distance to the CBD, automatically boosting pedestrian traffic in the centre each year.
Mr Rock said the proposed terminal is also within walking distance to the new Wickham interchange, offering further convenience.
“This proposal, combined with the Government’s planned Newcastle revitalisation, has the potential to turn the city into an even more desirable destination,” Mr Rock said.
“The Newcastle CBD is in a unique and highly desirable position, featuring the Harbour on one side and the beach on the other.
“The revitalisation plan for the city needs to ensure these assets are showcased in the best possible way.”
