Newcastle ‘Catalyst’ Suburb Earmarked for Urban Upgrade

Plans to turn a hefty tranche of land near Newcastle belonging to a controversial NSW Government-owned corporation into an urban precinct have been lodged.

A 35.85ha site at 65 Glendale Drive, 15km from Newcastle CBD but in the Lake Macquarie Council region, has been earmarked by owners the Transport Asset Holding Entity of NSW and Transport for NSW for major residential and mixed-use development. 

Transport Asset Holding Entity of NSW, until 2020 named RailCorp and under the supervision of Transport for NSW, owns billions of dollars worth of rail-related land throughout the state. 

It faced controversy in recent years after creating a major hole in its, and by extension the NSW Government’s coffers, prompting the state to organise the conversion of TAHE into a not-for-profit public corporation, similar to Sydney Trains and Venues NSW. 

The aim of this change was to force TAHE to “increase its focus on maximising the value of its transport assets, especially surplus land near railway stations that could be repurposed to help solve the state’s housing shortage”.

Following this directive handed down late last year, TAHE and Transport for NSW has lodged the masterplan for Glendale, “a major emerging regional centre” within the Lake Macquarie Loval Government Area. 

The development application submitted to Lake Macquarie Council sets out the parameters of future development, establishing land uses for development envelopes, road infrastructure, which will cost an estimated $78 million initially.

▲ The site adjoins the Stockland Glendale and the Hunter Sports Centre, which has been undergoing major renovations.

The DA asks consent for the first stage of development, including the subdivision of lots in two phases. 

Separated into three lots, the first north of Glendale Drive will be allocated for mixed-use buildings, apartment blocks and commercial premises. 

Lot 2 will be home to another apartment building, and Lot 3 will include land to be retained by TAHE for transport operational purposes. 

“The precinct will deliver appropriate housing density and diversity to meet future resident demand, as well as a diversity of commercial opportunities to support the local community and economy,” according to the development application.

The Glendale regional centre has been identified as one of three “strategic regional centres” within Lake Macquarie City, in addition to Charlestown and Morisset. 

The site is next to the existing railway line from Newcastle to Sydney, 900m north of Cardiff station. 

▲ Building heights of up to four storeys are planned for the precinct complex.

Much of Glendale is low-density suburban housing, and the DA says that “the introduction of more urban, denser forms comparison residential flat buildings, town houses and occupation dwellings will ensure greater housing choice for future residents”.

It will be considered by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel.

The Newcastle region has been heating up as Sydney proves unaffordable, both for buyers and developers—although this has been challenging for councils unused to major development.

In attempts to encourage further regional housing, the NSW Government and the City of Newcastle recently lodged plans to rezone 300ha to develop 20,000 homes.