GHD awarded scoping studies contract for Newcastle light rail project

Stephen TaylorDecember 7, 2020

Plans for a new light rail project in Newcastle, NSW, and the transformation and renewal of the city centre, are a step closer with the contract for early scoping studies awarded to local firm GHD.

NSW treasurer Mike Baird said the light rail project came about through a $340 million investment in the long-term lease of the Port of Newcastle. Works are expected to start early next year.

The contract was awarded through a closed competitive tender process targeting firms with expertise in light rail, engineering, and multi-modal transport projects, as well as those with local knowledge and experience.

And no one could be happier than new MP Tim Owen, who says the works – and the new light rail system - will revitalise the town’s economy, improve commuter access and connections and boost the amenity of the CBD.

‘’It will be exactly what the city needs,’’ he said. But it’s been a long process.

‘’We had a heavy rail line down the main street for 100 years linking the harbour and the old coal-fired power station. It was ugly, polluting, inefficient and it divided the city.

‘’As part of the $1.3 billion Newcastle Urban Renewal Scheme a lot of money has been spent on improving the waterfront and it looks beautiful.

‘’I argued that the next step should be to open up the city and make the necessary changes by choosing the best urban renewal scheme.

‘’I said we should get rid of the heavy line which is ugly and divisive and install the light rail to connect the city to the harbour and improve our residential and retail areas - and that’s what we are going to do.’’

Lord mayor Jeff McCloy said light rail was not just about moving people around the city: ‘’It has the potential to regenerate the city and make it grow exponentially, so in a few years you have a new more vibrant city,’’ he said.

‘’Even the announcement of light rail has created excitement within Newcastle’s investment and property communities with a number of derelict buildings demolished and proposals on the board for new hotels and mixed use residential/commercial/retail projects.

‘’We’ve also seen new restaurants, cafe and retail shops pop up in Hunter Street, our Main Street.

‘’In Newcastle, light rail is planned in the context of urban design for better people mobility, key node precincts, and improved liveability.

‘’I envisage people being able to leave their apartment on the harbour, jump on the light rail, and be at their favourite restaurants in minutes with no parking issues.’’

Planning and transport news source Urbananalyst reports that the contract followed one of many planning workshop between key government agencies and Newcastle Council.

State Transport Minister, Gladys Berejiklian, is reported as saying GHD would undertake a detailed analysis of the best location for a new transport interchange, best alignment for a light rail route, and opportunities for future connections to link the light rail to surrounding areas.

The government says GHD's Newcastle team has a solid beckground in light rail, having helped plan and deliver Sydney's Light Rail Future, the Inner West Light Rail Extension as well as Adelaide's Inner Rail Network study.

Ms Berejiklian said Transport NSW would soon be seeking two more specialist firms to join the project, including an engineering company, to help with truncation of the heavy rail line.

Another tender will be for engineering and operation services, where the contractor will examine the engineering, urban design, operational environmental and functional requirements for building and operating the light rail system.

"Consultation will play an important role in the decision-making process for Newcastle Light Rail and we will involve stakeholders, including businesses, community groups, industry, residents and transport experts," she said.

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