TRANSPORT for NSW is still not sure how the light rail might be extended from its western terminus onto Tudor Street, but a planned $110 million development on part of the likely route shapes as a key impediment.
The state government agency's summary of an extension study released last year, which examined four potential extensions that all ran via Tudor Street, said properties between the heavy rail and Hunter Street in Newcastle West would be "impacted" and recommended investigating "the full impact on the roads and adjacent properties through alignment optimisation".
In January, the Herald reported how predicted development in the block between the heavy rail and Hunter Street might hinder a tram corridor. Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said it had the potential to "kill" any extension.
Provision has been made alongside the bus interchange for an extended line, but how it connects to Tudor Street remains up in the air.
The government owns none of the properties in the block, much of which has 90-metre building height limits and, as such, will likely be redeveloped into high rises.
That process began this month when Thirdi Group lodged plans for a $110 million mixed-use development on the old Dairy Farmers Corner site, which is on the western corner of the block and closest to Tudor Street.
Transport for NSW started investigating corridor options in recent months and a map obtained by the Herald shows three of four potential routes under consideration all pass through Thirdi's land in some capacity.
A fourth route, which could be described as a dog leg, runs parallel to the heavy rail and exits into Selma Street. But it, too, runs through a planned 15-storey development.
Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was "imperative that the expansion point at Dairy Farmers Corner be declared" to ensure an extension can proceed, but it was now "essential and time critical" given the development plans.
"This will not impede proposed future development," she said.
"It will however give clarity and therefore ensure that current and future proposals include and accommodate the light rail coming out of the corridor onto Tudor Street and then onto ... Broadmeadow."
Transport for NSW admitted its "investigations" into "corridor preservation, alignment and strategic transport network outcomes" were "in their infancy", but it will provide a "multimodal response" to Thirdi's plans regarding "safety and efficiency of the transport network, the needs of our customers and the integration of land use and transport".
Thirdi bought the site in late 2020 from former lord mayor Jeff McCloy.
Its plans are on exhibition until December 1.
