The Corner at Charlestown Square has opened to the public following a frenzy of construction work in recent weeks.
"We had tradie on top of tradie on top of artists. It was all systems go," says Charlestown Square centre manager Mardi Ashkine, laughing.
The Corner, aptly named due to its position at the intersection of Pearson and Ridley streets, is a forward-thinking example of the new era in retail dining.
The traditional food court has - and continues to - serve a purpose but this food and entertainment precinct breaks new ground. It features destination eateries, a revolving roster of local creative talent and an indoor-outdoor alfresco feel conducive to all-day dining and casual communal eating.
"A food court is predominately a lunchtime, fast food scenario," Ashkine explains.
"The Corner is very different.
"Food as a category continues to go from strength to strength in retail. We had been talking about platforming that north piazza for the last three-plus years, and really bringing it to life. To create that point of difference and to tap into that subculture of creative industry in Newcastle."
Securing "local food heroes", she says, was an important part of "tapping into" this creative industry.
A line-up of mostly local artists and musicians followed.
Newcastle CBD favourites Bao Brothers, Rascal, Popolo Artisan Gelateria are already open for business at The Corner alongside 4 Pines Brewing Company. Schillykickk Thai Street Fusion is "popping up" at The Corner for eight weeks and moving there permanently in 2020. Hunter Espresso Co opens next week, and Lee's Yum Cha opens in February.
Fukin Lee owns Hamilton restaurant Dumpling Story has been making dim sims for 15 years. In what is touted to be a Hunter first, the doughy parcels will be wheeled straight to your table as part of a traditional Chinese full trolley service.
Artists Ellie Hannon, Bradley Eastman, Lucas Grogan and Brett Piva have been busy "creating some spectacular pieces and murals" for The Corner, Ashkine says.
Hannon creates dreamlike natural landscapes in her Newcastle studio, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in spaces of nostalgia, contemplation and mysticism.
Eastman is a multidisciplinary artist from Sydney whose paintings, digital illustrations, commercial projects and public murals use a unique visual language to depict future environments of abstracted geometric landscapes and potential new life forms.
Grogan grew up in Maitland and likes to work with rich indigo blues, linking intricacy and skill with an irreverent, pun-filled sense of humour to make boldly graphic, fastidiously patterned artworks.
Piva is a contemporary artist and curator who uses abstract reverse painting techniques with gold leaf and enamel on glass within paintings, timber and glass sculptural pieces along with large scale murals. He develops natural patterns and lines within his work that are inspired by drier Australian bush climates and coastal forests.
The Corner's musical roster runs weekly from Thursday until Sunday throughout summer and will feature the likes of Tim Rossington, guitarist Adam Miller, New Orleans-style jazz from the Rehab Brass Band, live funk on Friday and old-school funk, soul and reggae by DJs Dan Phelan and DJ Tone.
"We wanted to make sure the space was activated on an ongoing basis," Ashkine says.
"The liquor license that we have secured for 4 Pines is the first of its kind in NSW. Across the entire civic space - the stage area, the grassed area and communal seating - people can actually grab a drink from 4 Pines, then maybe order a burger from Rascal and sit in that communal space and enjoy that beer and burger.
"People will get to enjoy that space in its entirety and not be restricted to one particular venue to eat and drink at.
"Then there's the connection to the rest of Charlestown's CBD, with The Corner opening out onto Pearson Street where Lake Macquarie City Council have got plans for Hilltop Plaza.
"I think we'll see the whole streetscape transform over a period of time, which is exciting. There's a lot of foot traffic there."
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