The final stage of the Honeysuckle precinct has been announced, with developer DOMA Group set to lead a $1.6 billion transformation of the last piece of public land on Newcastle's former industrial waterfront.
The three-hectare mixed-use Honeysuckle HQ precinct will include 1000 homes, a luxury hotel, and a conference centre on the western edge of the waterfront.
DOMA Group was selected to deliver the redevelopment after a national search by the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC).
The master plan includes commercial and retail space designed to accommodate 4000 workers, alongside a 180-room hotel with a restaurant and bar, and a 500-seat conference and events centre.
The project will also include the adaptive reuse and integration of the heritage-listed former Wickham School of Arts building.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the state government was focused on ensuring the final stage of the urban renewal delivered strong economic and social outcomes.
"This is exactly the kind of city-shaping project the Minns Labor Government wants to see more of - delivering new homes, jobs, public spaces and economic activity in the heart of Newcastle," Mr Scully said.
"We know NSW needs more homes and that means unlocking well-located land close to transport, jobs, and entertainment, while creating vibrant communities people want to live in.
"Honeysuckle HQ will help deliver around 1000 new homes while continuing to transform Newcastle's harbour into a thriving destination for residents, workers and visitors."
More than 11,000 square metres - or one-third of the site - will be dedicated to public spaces, including a new waterfront park known as Honeysuckle Green, wide pedestrian shared zones, and protected view corridors.
There are four separate apartment developments in the precinct, including a three-tower complex with more than 230 homes, two towers with more than 190 homes and another three-tower design with more than 200 homes.
The largest residential development will span two towers with more than 320 homes, commercial space and a ground-level grocer.
Other proposed plans for the precinct include a cinema, a brewery, and cafes and restaurants for casual and fine dining.
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the redevelopment signalled an exciting time for Newcastle.
"I have advocated at every opportunity for many years to have the Wickham School of Arts preserved and integrated into this project," he said.
"This now means that it will be conserved in perpetuity, a wonderful outcome for our local community.
"I am proud to be preserving our past while stepping into Newcastle's future with new homes, new jobs, and new energy on our harbourfront."
Architect firms engaged to work on the designs include SJB, Curious Practice, Stewart Architecture and Andrew Burns Architecture.
HCCDC is slated to begin site preparation and initial mine grouting works this year.
Groundwork for Stage 1, which will deliver the first phase of retail spaces and residential homes, are expected to begin in 2028.
Honeysuckle HQ will be developed across six stages with HCCDC working closely with DOMA Group progressing each stage and delivering public spaces.
DOMA's long-term investment in Newcastle includes $1 billion in completed and under-construction residential development.
A further $2 billion of development is in the pipeline.
The Canberra-based developer's projects in the Honeysuckle precinct include the Little National Hotel, a commercial office and the Huntington apartment complex.
DOMA Group's Chris Farrington said the project, which would be known as Newcastle Quay, aimed to deliver a precinct that the city had "long deserved".
"This site has always had the potential to be something extraordinary, and Newcastle Quay will bring that vision to life," Mr Farrington said.
"A new waterfront precinct that seamlessly extends the CBD to the harbour, reshaping how the city is seen, experienced and valued on a national scale."
HCCDC chief executive Valentina Misevska said the proposed development reflected extensive community consultation.
"[It] reflects what the community told us they wanted to see-a well-connected precinct that prioritises public spaces, strengthens connections to the waterfront and transport, and creates opportunities for vibrant activation," Ms Misevska said.
"It also delivers on ambitions for high quality design and sustainability, while respecting the area's heritage and culture, creating a precinct that offers something for everyone."
Construction is anticipated to contribute $80 million annually to the local economy, while the completed precinct is projected to generate $133 million in ongoing economic activity each year.
