This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
JV partners Spotlight Property Group and St Hilliers’ $100 million West Village development in Newcastle has been given the go ahead by the Hunter Central Coast Regional Planning Panel.
The Plus Architecture-designed West Village mixed-use precinct in the western corner of Newcastle’s CBD at 711 Hunter Street will comprise 1,400sqm of ground plane space, with podium levels of 16 retail and commercial tenancies and multi-storey food and beverage offerings.
Above this will be two towers consisting of 257 one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments and penthouses.
Plus Architecture was awarded the design of the project after the government Architects Design process — the first of its kind for a private development in Newcastle.
“As Newcastle, like other regional hubs across Australia expands at pace, it’s critical that new developments are designed with the long-term in mind, and consider the varying and changing needs of their users,” said Rido Pin, director and project lead at Plus Architecture.
“Whilst our bespoke two-tower design seeks to break the mold, creating a landmark building that will transform the city’s skyline, much more than this, the broader development seeks to transform the lives of local people.”
The precinct will boast a large public plaza fronting National Park Street and will create direct connections to both the Drill Hall Gallery and Birdwood Park.
“Throughout the process, we have worked collaboratively with our clients, consultants and the community to design a rich and dynamic ground plane, which will be accompanied by a carefully sculpted building form – serving both the residents and the wider community,” added Pin.
“Designing with Country principles, landscaping, public art and retail strategies have all informed our design.”
The development will also include sustainable initiatives, with 90MW of rooftop solar panels, a 300 electric-vehicle-ready car park and 300 bicycle parking spaces in both secure and public areas, alongside end-of-trip facilities.
“Through our work with Plus Architecture, our development seeks to deliver a space that sparks awe and inspiration for all who visit and use the space,” said Luke McNamara, development manager at St Hilliers.
“By committing $1 million of public art we want to celebrate Newcastle’s thriving arts scene, as well create spaces that will serve and connect locals. As part of the Development Consent, all retail and food and beverage offerings have a pre-approval to operate, including the three-storey open air operation.”
“This pre-approval will go a long way to streamlining the process for future businesses seeking to be part of the precinct.”
