News
51 not out [18.04.2010]
Remember this? Hunter Street Mall in December 2008. All the red dots were empty. Click on the map to zoom in.
With the opening of our latest group of projects, Renew Newcastle has clocked the 50 mark!
In less than 18 months we have initiated 51 new projects in what was once a dead zone in the Newcastle CBD. Some have been and gone but Renew Newcastle currently has more than 30 projects that we are supporting. They includes galleries, studios, arts and crafts stores, fashion designers, a food co-op, designers, publishers, photographers and much much more. We've also managed to put free wifi in the mall, galvanise the Newcastle creative community and spawned similar initiatives in Adelaide, Townsville, Lismore, and interest from many other parts of the country.
Visit the Projects section of our web site for more information about our projects past and present.
The more exciting thing is the bigger picture. Renew Newcastle has been a catalyst for a pretty major transformation around the Hunter Street Mall area. It's easy to forget that there were more than 20 empty shops in this one strip less than a year ago now. It's certainly changed.
The same area in late 2009. The blue arrows are our projects, and the yellow are new commercial tenants. Click on the map to Zoom in.
Of course, it's only the beginning. A lot of Newcastle still needs a lot of work. We've started to move out to sites in Hunter Street West and soon over in Honeysuckle and we are always on the look out for new property owners who might be interested to participate. Get in touch if you can help us find or have property.
If you are interested in reading more about our projects and people's reactions, check out the media section of our web site for more about the projects and the discussions we've been generating.
Thanks for all your help!
Comments
What a fantastic achievement.
You've done more to revitalise Newcastle's long-neglected CBD than anyone else.
Kudos.
Yes, congratulations to all involved.
Congratulations on your achievements. Newcastle was in dire need of someone to bring her back to life. You're an inspiration.
Keep on keeping on.
Fantastic effort.
As a child, I can remember walking the full length of Hunter Street, with my mother, my grandmother in towe complaining of aching feet as Betty just wouldn't stop shopping! Every shop was full from one end of Hunter Street to the other. David Jones was the highlight for me as I loved the highly polished floors, along with The Store, Winns and Waltons. I would love to see Hunter Street buzzing again, alternative arty shops create a wonderful atmosphere and local talent is very much appreciated. This is prime location and really, has so much to offer. Great idea!
Congratulations!!
Despite no longer living in Newcastle its certainly nice to hear that it is being lifted out of its ghost town status to a town where life can once again be seen emerging from vibrant social developments.
Keep up the good work, Andrew.