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Draft – Cabinet in Confidence

REVITALISING NEWCASTLE An integrated transport solution Consultation documentDecember 2013

IMAGE CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED TO INCORPORATE LATEST ROUND OF CHANGES

UPDATE IN PROGRESS

GIPA Application 1314-84 - 6 of 137


LIGHT RAIL: CONTRIBUTING TO NEWCASTLE’S REVITALISATION December 2013ISBN: xxx-x-xxxxxx-xx-x© State of New South Wales through Transport for NSW, 2013.

Transport for NSW18 Lee St, Chippendale NSW 2008.

DisclaimerWhile every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is correct at the time of printing, the State of NSW, its agents and employees, disclaim any and all liability to any person in respect of anything or the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done in reliance upon the whole or any part of this document.

MINISTER’S MESSAGE 1

THREE STAGES – AN INTEGRATED TRANSPORT SOLUTION FOR NEWCASTLE 2

TRANSFORMING TRANSPORT IN NEWCASTLE 3

WICKHAM TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE – A NEW GATEWAY TO THE CITY CENTRE 5

REVITALISING NEWCASTLE 8

PREFERRED LIGHT RAIL ROUTE FOR CONSULTATION 10

YOUR TRANSPORT TO THE BEACH 14

INTEGRATION WITH THE BUS NETWORK 16

LONG TERM WIDER LIGHT RAIL NETWORK INVESTIGATIONS 18

HOW TO HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE LIGHT RAIL ROUTE 19

WE LISTENED 20

CONTENTS

GIPA Application 1314-84 - Page 17 of 137

REVITALISING NEWCASTLEAN INTEGRATED TRANSPORT SOLUTION

1


Newcastle is the seventh largest city in Australia and the second largest city in New South Wales. Our major regional centre is experiencing significant growth and is expected to be home to an additional 10,000 jobs and 6,000 new homes by 2036.

Newcastle’s revitalisation is a major priority for the NSW Government. The city centre deserves better than it has received for many decades. We are taking a coordinated, integrated approach – across transport and planning – to realise the vision set out in the Newcastle Urban Renewal Strategy.

We are supporting this action with the investment of $340 million from the proposed 99-year lease of the Port of Newcastle, in addition to the $120 million the NSW Government has already committed to the revitalisation project.

Transport is critical to Newcastle’s reinvention as a modern, vibrant city centre.

We will remove the heavy rail line between Newcastle and Wickham to ensure the return of the city’s beautiful harbour to its people. An interchange at Wickham – the future Newcastle CBD – will offer customers convenient public transport options to travel into the city centre and easy interchanges from trains.

The NSW Government is also getting on with planning for light rail, which all around the world is contributing to city centre transformation and renewal. Light rail can shape cities and connect people. It can make a good city a great city and a good region a great region. Internationally, light rail projects attract investment, boost economic growth and encourage urban renewal for cities.

For Newcastle, light rail will enhance and accelerate many renewal initiatives and can help bring jobs, residents and visitors to the city. We have now released a preferred route for the first stage of light rail for Newcastle – and we are seeking feedback from the community.

The preferred route will link Wickham with Newcastle Beach along the existing rail corridor and Scott Street. The preferred route provides a convenient public transport option from the city’s future business centre to the beach for residents and visitors alike.

We have carried out a rigourous assessment to make this decision. Consultation and research, together with further technical studies, are critical to our decision-making about the future of light rail for Newcastle. There are a number of ways you can have your say on the preferred light rail route. We encourage you to take up this opportunity to help us deliver a new transport future for Newcastle.

Gladys Berejiklian MP Minister for Transport

MINISTER’S MESSAGE

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REVITALISING NEWCASTLE AN INTEGRATED TRANSPORT SOLUTION


• Community consultation on the preferred light rail route from Wickham to Newcastle Beach along the existing rail corridor via Scott Street

• Define stop locations and design for the light rail network in consultation with key stakeholders and the community

• Deliver the first stage of a modern light rail system for Newcastle between Wickham and the beach.

• Complete further investigations into how light rail can link the Newcastle CBD with surrounding suburbs and the Hunter region

• Consider how improved transport connections can be provide to major destinations including Hunter Stadium, the University of Newcastle, Charlestown Square, John Hunter Hospital and Newcastle Airport

• Consultation will be carried out in relation to any future network extensions.

Light rail in the Newcastle city centre

Late 2015 – mid 2017

2

Investigate long term light rail network

Early 2014 – late 2014

3

THREE STAGES – AN INTEGRATED TRANSPORT SOLUTION FOR NEWCASTLE

• Heavy rail services to stop at Wickham, reuniting Newcastle city centre with the waterfront to generate urban renewal in the CBD

• Catalyst for urban revitalisation with a more attractive, accessible environment for visitors, the community and businesses

• Construction of a modern, multi-modal and fully accessible transport interchange at Wickham for easy customer transfers within the Newcastle CBD

• Wayfinding and real time information to ensure smooth customer transfers and easy access

• Buses will provide access to the Newcastle city centre until the completion of light rail.

Remove the heavy rail line and build a new transport interchange

Early 2015 – early 2017

1

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3


TRANSFORMING TRANSPORT IN NEWCASTLE

Key decisions A centrepiece of the NSW Government’s 2013-14 Budget was the strategy to drive the economic growth and renewal of Newcastle. By undertaking a long-term lease of Newcastle Port we can address and fast-track additional infrastructure needs in the Hunter and across NSW. The private sector has the expertise, incentive and financial capacity to grow and invest in Newcastle Port, benefiting the region.

A 99-year lease of Newcastle Port will unlock resources that can then be used to accelerate and extend the vision for a revitalised Newcastle. The Government’s vision for Newcastle, which was unveiled last December, includes light rail as part of the strategy to reinvent Newcastle as a modern city.

The NSW Government has decided to:

• Remove the heavy rail line between Newcastle and Wickham

• Create a new transport interchange at Wickham, west of Stewart Avenue

• Introduce the first stage of light rail for Newcastle, with a preferred route identified for community consultation between Wickham and Newcastle Beach via the existing rail corridor and Scott Street.

In reaching these decisions, we have considered the many studies completed over the past 20 years, alongside contemporary investigations, community input and international research into what makes cities work well. These decisions have been based on extensive research and analysis.

In reaching a preferred light rail route for

consultation, we also seriously considered a range

of options, including a combined rail corridor and

Hunter Street option. The reasons this option was not

selected as the preferred route included:

• Space constraints – particularly through Hunter

Street Mall – which precludes light rail at this

location

• The need for more space to prioritiser urban

renewal initiatives, including wider footpaths,

landscaping and cycle ways

• High impacts on the road network, including

increased travel times for vehicles and light rail

customers

• The need to remove on-street car parking, delivery

zones and taxi ranks to deliver light rail in Hunter

Street

• Significantly increased costs, greater delivery

risks and high impacts on local businesses during

construction.

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Newcastle East

The Hill

Civic

Bar Beach

e Junction

Cooks Hill

Newcaste Newcastle West •

Dyke Point

, ::

Maryville - ~ .' ~

Islington

\ Stockton Carring10h

4



Purpose of this documentDetailed analysis has been completed into light rail for Newcastle. Based on this, we have identified a preferred route extending from Wickham, along the existing heavy rail corridor and Scott Street through to Newcastle Beach via Pacific Park.

We are now seeking community feedback on the preferred route to help determine the best transport outcome for the Newcastle city centre.

The purpose of this document is to:

• Seek your views on the preferred light rail route

• Explain how Wickham was chosen as the location for a new interchange

• Provide information on key transport decisions contributing to Newcastle’s revitalisation

• Explain what’s next for the project and how you can have your say.

We are committed to a process that enables different views to be voiced, heard and considered. Views expressed during consultation will be carefully considered and will inform the project as it is developed. There are a number of ways you can have your say on the preferred light rail route during the comment period which will be open until 28 February 2014. Consultation opportunities include online, via email, mail, over the phone or at community information sessions. More details about the consultation process are included on page 19 of this document.

We welcome your comments.

Remove heavy rail and build light rail

Potential future light rail connections

Existing heavy rail

Potential long term connections

Figure 02 Newcastle transport for the future

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PROJECT BENEFITS AT A GLANCE – NEWCASTLE’S INTEGRATED TRANSPORT SOLUTION

Enabling urban revitalisation and connecting the city centre with the foreshore

• A new transport interchange at Wickham offers the greatest potential for transit oriented development at the heart of the new CBD – with 675,000 m2 of developable land located within 400 metres of the interchange

• A new light rail stop at Pacific Park provides opportunities for new residential development in surrounding streets

• Connecting light rail to the beach could create 11 new road and pedestrian crossings to the foreshore – Newcastle’s greatest natural asset.

Supporting future strategic planning

• A new transport interchange at Wickham supports the Newcastle Urban Renewal Strategy – creating a new destination within Newcastle’s CBD

• Allows more space for wider footpaths, new cycle ways and landscaping in Hunter Street, in line with the Newcastle Urban Renewal Strategy

Maximising customer experience

• A new interchange at Wickham means heavy rail customers can experience an uninterrupted journey into the Newcastle CBD

• The interchange will be fully accessible with all bus, heavy rail, light rail and taxi services located on one level for easy customer interchanges

• Light rail within the rail corridor means faster journeys for light rail customers

• A light rail stop next to Pacific Park provides a pleasant place for customers to alight from light rail and is a short walk to the Newcastle Beach surf club pavilion.

Maximising transport network efficiency

• A new interchange at Wickham will see the closure of three level crossings at Merewether Street, Stewart Avenue and Railway Street

• A Wickham interchange minimises impacts on the rail freight network

• The preferred light rail route extends 2.5 km between Wickham and Newcastle Beach and will allow more frequent light rail services using fewer light rail vehicles

• Running light rail within the rail corridor minimises impacts on road traffic – and reduces delays for light rail customers.

Minimising construction and operational costs

• The preferred 2.5 km light rail route can be delivered within the existing budget

• Light rail in the corridor allows some existing heavy rail infrastructure to be reused – a more sustainable solution

• It is more cost effective to deliver light rail within the existing heavy rail corridor than on Hunter Street.

Minimising delivery risk

• Building light rail within the existing rail corridor minimises impacts on the local community

• Building light rail within the rail corridor will have fewer impacts on local business and the transport network than on-road construction in Hunter Street – with fewer delivery risks.

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WICKHAM TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE – A NEW GATEWAY TO THE CITY CENTRE

WICKHAM INTERCHANGE AT A GLANCE • Supports the Newcastle Urban Renewal

Strategy’s plans for development, employment and population growth at Wickham as the future Newcastle CBD

• A focus for development around the interchange at the heart of the new CBD

• Provides the best outcome for transport customers all bus, heavy rail and light rail services located at one level for easy interchange

• Opportunity for high-frequency, all-day light rail services at least every 10 minutes using only a few light rail vehicles

• Integrated with the Opal ticketing system

• Reduced train movements around the Beaumont Street level crossing

• Provides the lowest cost option for removing the heavy rail line, building a new transport interchange and delivering light rail to Newcastle

• Closure of three level crossings at Merewether Street, Stewart Avenue and Railway Street, making it easier to move around the city

• Allows heavy rail customers to access the future CBD without interchanging.

Wickham has been selected as the location for the removal of the heavy rail line and the creation of a new integrated transport interchange. Wickham is an ideal interchange location, providing the greatest potential for urban revitalisation andconvenient public transport options into the city centre. The reasons why Wickham has been selected as the location for a new transport interchange are detailed below.

Contributing to urban renewalThe Wickham interchange will create a brand-new business district within the Newcastle CBD.There is significant potential for transit oriented development at the heart of the new CBD – with 675,000 m2 of developable land located within 400 metres of the interchange

The fully-accessible interchange will encourage more people to travel by public transport into the city centre with all bus, heavy rail, light rail and taxi services located on one level for easy customer interchanges. A new interchange at Wickham will see the closure of three level crossings at Merewether Street, Stewart Avenue and Railway Street, making it easier to move around the city.

Improving customer experiences Wickham provides the best outcome for transport customers in Newcastle. The entire transport interchange precinct will be fully accessible, with buses, heavy rail and light rail services all located at one level. This means customers will be able to walk easily from one platform to the next to change services – or just around the corner to catch a bus. Customers will be able to transfer directly from trains on the Sydney, Central Coast or Hunter Lines onto light rail straight to the Newcastle city centre. Customers transferring between trains at Hamilton or Broadmeadow will still be able to do so.

High-frequency light rail opportunities Starting at the Wickham transport interchange, light rail services can be provided at a high frequency – all day, at least every 10 minutes – using only a few light rail vehicles. Frequency is a key reason customers travel by light rail within city centres around the world. Internationally, there are successful light rail services of similar length to the first stage of Newcastle’s light rail network, such as those in Tacoma, Washington which is 2.6km and Seattle, Washington which is 2.1km.

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KEY CRITERIAFor each option, the following factors were considered:

• Enabling urban revitalisation

• Maximising customer experience

• Maximising transport network efficiency

• Minimising construction and operational costs

• Minimising delivery risk

• Supporting future planning.

Trains will be stabled between Wickham and Hamilton. This means fewer train movements along the Beaumont Street level crossing, simplifying operations and reducing local impacts. The Wickham transport interchange also minimises impacts on the rail freight network during construction and once light rail is operational. A new interchange at Wickham and a light rail east of Wickham will deliver the lowest cost option in terms of providing the lowest cost option for removing the heavy rail line, building a new transport interchange and delivering light rail to Newcastle.

How the decision was madeExtensive work has been undertaken to identify and assess options for the removal of the heavy rail line and the location of a new transport interchange that can support heavy rail connections to buses and light rail.

A long list of options were developed and analysed, focusing on locations in Wickham, Hamilton, Hamilton Junction and Broadmeadow. A whole-of-network approach was taken in analysing each interchange location – taking into account the benefits and impacts on heavy rail, bus and light rail.

This was refined to a short list of four options, each of which were analysed in terms of opportunities and challenges. The short list comprised:

• Wickham, west of Stewart Avenue (selected location)

• Hamilton, east of Beaumont Street

• Broadmeadow

• Wickham and Hamilton East.

Hamilton east of Beaumont Street optionThis option would see light rail terminate east of Beaumont Street within the heavy rail corridor, with existing platforms reused for terminating trains. Train stabling would be created between the existing station

and the Maitland Road overpass. With no major destinations around this location, an interchange at Hamilton east would not bring customers directly into the heart of the future CBD, located at Wickham.

The option offers limited development opportunities around the interchange, with low density development on Beaumont Street and strict height and floor space controls.

Although this option includes removing three level crossings and direct transfers onto light rail from Hunter and Sydney/Central Coast train lines, Beaumont Street level crossing would remain open and it would not be convenient for customers to access buses on Maitland Road.

Broadmeadow option The Broadmeadow option would see light rail terminate on the east side of Broadmeadow, north of the existing station, building a bus interchange at Graham Road and providing train stabling facilities at Woodville Junction.

This option was not selected because customers trying to access the CBD would need to interchange before they reach Wickham. In addition, Hunter Line customers from Maitland and the Upper Hunter would need to deviate to Broadmeadow from Maitland and the Upper Hunter before interchanging to light rail to reach the city centre. Lift access and stairs would be needed

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Summary – interchange options consideredFigure 03 Comparative performance of options for interchange location against strategic criteria

OptionEnabling

urban revitalisation

Maximising customer

experience

Maximising transport network

efficiency

Minimising construction

and operational

costs

Minimising delivery

risk

Supporting future

planning

Wickham west of Stewart Avenue (selected option)

Hamilton east of Beaumont Street

Broadmeadow

Wickham and Hamilton east

Legend Option does not support criteria

Option strongly supports criteria

to link the heavy rail and light rail interchange – and to move between the platforms or reach the street. This is less convenient for customers than the fully accessible Wickham interchange where buses, light rail and heavy rail services will be located on one level.

Future urban development opportunities around Broadmeadow are limited due to surrounding low density residential areas and fragmented land ownership. While a Broadmeadow interchange could be delivered using the existing heavy rail corridor it would have a significant impact on freight operations both during construction and once light rail is operational. These impacts also increased the project cost for this option.

Wickham and Hamilton East option This option would see electric rail services terminate on the Newcastle and Central Coast Line at Hamilton and diesel services from the Hunter Line terminate at Wickham.

This option represents a poorer customer outcome than Wickham, as lifts and stairs would be needed for customers to change platforms and to interchange to light rail at Hamilton.

In addition, both light rail and heavy rail would operate between Hamilton and Wickham, duplicating public transport services between these locations. Level crossings at Railway Street and Beaumont Street would not be removed. There is also limited potential for redevelopment around this location due to nearby low density residential areas.

Trains would need to wait at platforms at Hamilton for the level crossing at [location] to close before they could depart.

An interchange at Wickham and Hamilton East would limit future potential light rail extensions to Hunter Stadium, Newcastle Showgrounds and the Entertainment Centre – as light rail would need to cross over freight and heavy rail lines to reach these destinations.

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UPDATED

A city reinventedThe Newcastle Urban Renewal Strategy outlines the Government’s vision for the city’s transformation. The strategy sets out a comprehensive and integrated suite of initiatives to deliver urban renewal in the Newcastle city centre over the next 25 years. With a projection of 10,000 new jobs and 6,000 new residents – more than double the current population – the city centre is set to change significantly.

The Newcastle Urban Renewal Strategy includes major activity hubs for renewal – West End, Civic and the East End. The West End is the area around Wickham – the city’s future CBD – where employment land will be protected and improvements made around Birdwood Park and Cottage Creek.

Civic is the city centre’s government, cultural and education precinct, while East End will feature boutique retail, entertainment, leisure and homes. All three locations feature current or potential business and development growth, distinctive characteristics and public transport connections and open space planned or currently available.

The Newcastle Urban Renewal Strategy includes an integrated package of place-based, economic and transport-related initiatives for the long-term successful renewal of the city centre. Urban renewal initiatives, to be delivered over the short, medium and long term, include:

• Changes to planning controls to promote growth, activity, development and well-located land uses

• A place making approach to the future development of the city

• Physical improvements to the city’s key public domain areas

• Enhanced physical and visual connections between the city centre and the waterfront

• Economic initiatives to support renewal

• A strategy to promote transport, access and connectivity to and within the city centre

• An implementation plan that sets a clear delivery framework.

The initiatives in the strategy focus on achieving outcomes for Newcastle, to ensure that the strength of the city centre is recognised and reinforced as a vibrant, viable and attractive destination for businesses, residents and visitors.

A well-connected Newcastle city centre that provides access to suitable jobs – as well as a mix of shops and services – will reduce the need for people to travel to other centres. The Newcastle Urban Renewal Strategy aims to ensure the city centre’s retail and employment lands are attractive for investment from local, national and international businesses, both now and in the future.

Light rail has the potential to enhance and accelerate many of the renewal strategy’s initiatives, promoting increased access around the city centre and delivering more public transport choices. Light rail is a critical part of delivering the overall renewal agenda for the Newcastle city centre.

REVITALISING NEWCASTLE


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UPDATED

Sketch of light rail in Newcastle city centre

Light rail in Newcastle can help bring about the city’s overall renewal – improving connections between the city centre and the waterfront, increasing public transport choice and connecting people to Newcastle’s pristine beaches.

Internationally, light rail has encouraged urban renewal in the form of public spaces, shops, cafes and restaurants – supporting higher density living. Light rail is a viable transport solution that helps make cities cleaner, greener, more accessible and more attractive places to live and work.

There are now hundreds of light rail systems worldwide, and nearly 100 in construction or planning in Europe alone. Light rail features in many major cities including Barcelona, Bordeaux, Dublin, Strasbourg, Melbourne, Istanbul, San Francisco, Nottingham, Zurich, Seville, Portland and Manchester.

In Newcastle, light rail can help attract investment and development – to bring jobs, residents and visitors into the city centre. It would also encourage more people to use

public transport for commuting, leisure trips or journeys to major events. The infrastructure needed to support light rail has a smaller footprint than heavy rail which means it integrates seamlessly with existing traffic and pedestrians – helping to open up the city to the foreshore.

The preferred light rail route from Wickham, along the existing rail corridor and Scott Street through to Newcastle Beach will contribute to Newcastle’s urban renewal. In addition to encouraging investment and jobs around the new CBD at Wickham – where 675,000 m2 of developable land is located within 400 metres of the interchange – a new light rail stop at Pacific Park near Newcastle Beach provides opportunities for new homes in surrounding streets. In addition, connecting light rail to Newcastle beach offers the opportunity to create 11 new road and pedestrian crossings to the foreshore – Newcastle’s greatest natural asset.



11


Customer benefitsAn integrated transport network in Newcastle comprising light rail, heavy rail, buses and ferries will benefit a wide range of customers, including:

• Commuters travelling to the Newcastle city centre

• Commuters making short trips within the city centre

• Visitors travelling to Newcastle for business, shopping and recreation

• Residents and visitors travelling to the beach.

In September 2013, Transport for NSW surveyed more than 4,000 customers travelling in Newcastle across a three week period. Whether by car, bus, heavy rail, ferry, walking or cycling, we collected details on where customers started and finished their journeys.

The survey was part of our evidence-gathering process to examine how light rail would fit within an integrated transport network and support the revitalisation of the Newcastle CBD.

Today, just 13 per cent of journeys to work in the Newcastle city centre are completed using public transport – with cars making up close to 80 per cent of journeys to work in the city centre.

Key reasons for this include the high level of car ownership in the area, high availability of low cost parking in the CBD, infrequent and indirect bus services and the relatively small proportion of jobs located within the city centre.

Important key benefits customers will look for in a light rail service include:

• Smooth, comfortable and quiet services with air-conditioned vehicles

• Safe, clean, accessible and comfortable

• Light rail stops that maximise accessibility

• Real-time information

• Simple, user friendly way to travel to key locations within the Newcastle city centre and to the beach

• Effective wayfinding to help with transfers

• Attractive, quiet transport mode that integrates with the city, without disconnecting it from the foreshore

• Journeys through a revitalised city centre to Newcastle’s famous beaches.

Figure 04 Current transport use in Newcastle city centre

CAR PASSENGER

7%

OTHER 8%

BUS 5.5%

FERRY 1%

TRAIN 6.5%

CAR DRIVER

72%

LIGHT RAIL FACTS • Quiet, air-conditioned vehicles

• Modern, accessible stops with real time service information

• Integrated with the Opal ticketing system

• Stops usually spaced every 300 to 600 metres in city centres

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PREFERRED LIGHT RAIL ROUTE FOR CONSULTATION

A preferred light rail route has been identified for community consultation on the existing rail corridor then along Scott Street to Newcastle Beach.

Using the existing rail corridor for light rail is a sustainable approach for the city centre, reusing existing infrastructure while at the same time revitalising this prominent area of Newcastle.

Green edges and open spaces would feature along the route, together with opening up five additional pedestrian crossings and six road crossings to connect the city centre to the foreshore.

The corridor’s closeness to both the Honeysuckle precinct and Hunter Street presents an opportunity for light rail to connect people to this central and vibrant area of the city centre – and encourage ongoing investment.

The preferred route also extends the light rail a short distance along Scott Street to Newcastle Beach, providing a convenient public transport option from the city to the surf for residents and visitors alike. It connects the city’s future business centre at Wickham and its greatest natural asset.

Once customers finish their journey at Telford Street on the eastern side of Pacific Park, it is just a short walk through Shortland Esplanade to the Newcastle Beach surf club pavilion. It also offers convenient access to homes in Newcastle East.

A more cost effective option, light rail on the preferred route can be delivered within the current budget allocation of $340 million.

Construction of light rail along the rail corridor would also have fewer disruptions for local businesses and the city centre’s road transport network.

As light rail along the rail corridor is located away from cars, buses and other on-road transport, this option avoids the need to make changes to traffic signals, on-street parking, taxi stops, loading zones or planned separated cycleways on Hunter Street.

Light rail within the rail corridor also allows more space for renewal initiatives to transform Hunter Street. These changes include wider footpaths, dedicated cycleways and more landscaping to green the city centre’s main street.

PREFERRED OPTION AT A GLANCE• Uses the existing rail corridor and

extends light rail along Scott Street to Newcastle Beach via Pacific Park

• 2.75km route with an average distance of 610 metres between five stops

• Two new stops at Honeysuckle – one between the current Wickham and Civic stations and one between Perkins Street and Wolfe Street

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HUNTER STREET

PARKWAY AVENUE

KING STREET

HUNTER RIVER

SOUTHPACIFICOCEAN

COOKSHILL

NEWCASTLEEAST

CARRINGTON

NEWCASTLEWEST

HAMILTONEAST

MEREWETHER

STOCKTON

WICKHAM

BARBEACH

HAMILTONSOUTH

NEWCASTLE

THE HILL

UNION

STR

EET

NATIO

NAL P

ARK

STREE

T

TUDOR STREET

PARRY STREETWHARF ROAD

DARBY

STR

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STEW

ART

AVEN

UE

SCOTT STREET

TOOKE STREET

HIG

H STR

EET

RESERVE ROAD

WAT

T ST

REE

T

STREET

HAN

NELL

TELF

OR

D S

TREE

T

L

L

L

LL

L

L Light Rail Stop

C1 - Rail Corridor

C2 - Hunter Street and Scott Street

C3 - Hunter Street and Hunter St Mall

C6 - Railway Corridor and Scott Street

C7 - Railway Corridor and Hunter St Mall

0 80 160 240 320 40040

Metres

Artist impression of light rail along the rail corridor

L Light rail stop

Rail corridor, Scott Street and Newcastle Beach

Potential new north-south road crossings

Potential new north-south pedestrian and

cyclist only crossings

Major developments

Potential developments in the East End

New Wickham CBD area

Figure 05 Preferred light rail route via the existing rail corridor along Scott Street to Newcastle Beach

CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED TO INCORPORATE LATEST ROUND OF CHANGES

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How the preferred route was selected

Creating a long list A range of routes for light rail in the city centre were considered – both east and west of Stewart Avenue.

This long list was evaluated, taking into consideration each route’s capacity to:

• Support and encourage urban renewal

• Promote a greater connection between the city centre and the waterfront

• Increase public transport choice in the city centre

• Provide well-connected, frequent journeys for customers on all modes.

Developing a shortlistThis process narrowed the route options to a shortlist of five.

All five routes were located either within the existing heavy rail corridor or on Hunter Street.

The focus on this area of the city centre is in line with the project’s overall goal of opening up the city centre to the foreshore and supporting Newcastle’s revitalisation.

Identifying the preferred light rail route from the shortlist involved completing a comprehensive strategic assessment and multi-criteria analysis.

L

L

HUNTER RIVER

SOUTHPACIFICOCEANW

OLFE

STR

EET

STEVENSON PLACE

NOBB

YS R

OAD

CHURCH STREETTYRREL STREET

PARN

ELL

PLAC

E

PACI

FIC

STRE

ETTHOR

N ST

REET

MO

RGAN

STR

EET

NEW

COM

EN S

TREE

T

BOLT

ON S

TREE

T

WAT

T ST

REET

ALFRED STREET

OCEAN STREET

ZAAR

AST

REET

BOND STREET

SHOR

TLAN

D ES

PLAN

ADE

PERK

INS

STRE

ET

NEWCASTLESTATION

Light Rail Stop

C1 - Rail Corridor





UNIO

NST

REET

NATIO

NAL PA

RK ST

REET

TUDOR STREET

PARRY STREET

WHARF ROAD

DARB

Y ST

REET

STEW

ART

AVE

SCOTT STREET

TOOKE STREET

HIG

H STR

EET

RESERVE ROAD

STREET

HANNELL

HUNTER STREET

PARKWAY AVENUE

NEWCASTLEOCEAN BATHS

QUEENS WHARF

HUNTER STREET

KING STREET

COOKSHILL

NEWCASTLE

NOBBYSBEACH

NEWCASTLEBEACH

EAST

CARRINGTON

NEWCASTLEWEST

HAMILTONEAST

MEREWETHER

STOCKTON

WICKHAM

BARBEACH

HAMILTONSOUTH

NEWCASTLE

THE HILL

0 80 160 240 320 40040

Metres

(Preferred) Rail corridor and Scott Street to Telford Street

Rail corridor and Scott Street to Zaara Street or Nobbys Road

Rail corridor, Wharf Road to Nobbys Beach

Hunter Street and Scott Street to either Telford Street, Zaara Street or Nobbys Road

Hunter Street and Hunter Street Mall to Pacific Park

Rail corridor and Hunter Street Mall to Pacific Park

L Light rail stop

Figure 06 Shortlist of light rail route options in the Newcastle city centre

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L

L

HUNTER RIVER

SOUTHPACIFICOCEANW

OLFE

STR

EET

STEVENSON PLACE

NOBB

YS R

OAD

CHURCH STREETTYRREL STREET

PARN

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ZAAR

AST

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SHOR

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PLAN

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NEWCASTLESTATION

Light Rail Stop

C1 - Rail Corridor





UNIO

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NATIO

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TUDOR STREET

PARRY STREET

WHARF ROAD

DARB

Y ST

REET

STEW

ART

AVE

SCOTT STREET

TOOKE STREET

HIG

H STR

EET

RESERVE ROAD

STREET

HANNELL

HUNTER STREET

PARKWAY AVENUE

NEWCASTLEOCEAN BATHS

QUEENS WHARF

HUNTER STREET

KING STREET

COOKSHILL

NEWCASTLE

NOBBYSBEACH

NEWCASTLEBEACH

EAST

CARRINGTON

NEWCASTLEWEST

HAMILTONEAST

MEREWETHER

STOCKTON

WICKHAM

BARBEACH

HAMILTONSOUTH

NEWCASTLE

THE HILL

0 80 160 240 320 40040

Metres

Hunter Street optionsThe shortlist included two Hunter Street options:

• Hunter Street via Scott Street

• Hunter Street via Hunter Street Mall.

Light rail’s role in complementing the activation of Hunter Street was closely considered, as it could encourage more people to take up public transport, particularly workers at new and existing businesses in the city centre.

However, the challenges of the Hunter Street approach include the potential for traffic congestion with a number of traffic lights, the need to remove on-street car parking and the higher construction costs and disruption to Newcastle’s main street. Trips down Hunter Street would also take longer as light rail vehicles would need to compete with cars and buses.

If Hunter Street was selected, the cost of improving the disused rail corridor would need to be considered, as would the cost of relocating underground services on Hunter Street. Hunter Street Mall in particular presents challenges for light rail in the city centre due to its limited width.

Alternative rail corridor optionsThe shortlist included two other light rail route options within the rail corridor:

• Rail corridor only

• Rail corridor and Hunter Street Mall.

The first option involved running light rail along the 2.4km existing rail corridor. This route would include two new stops at Honeysuckle – one between the existing Wickham and Civic train stations and one between Queens Wharf and north of Wolfe Street. A light rail stop at Newcastle Station limits opportunities to connect to the beach. In addition, using Newcastle Station as a light rail stop presents significant constraints as it is an important heritage landmark for the city centre. Scott Street, alternatively, would allow Newcastle Station to be appropriately adapted for the future.

The second option involved running light rail along the rail corridor then onto Hunter Street Mall via a new stop at Perkins Street. While offering a potential boost to pedestrian traffic and retail spending, the Mall’s limited width would make light rail a challenge and impact on the area’s amenity.

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Nobbys Beach optionsNobbys Beach via Wharf Road was considered but not included as part of the preferred light rail route. The light rail stop would not be close to any homes and would attract only low patronage on weekdays and evenings. Services would be disrupted during major public events at the Foreshore Park. The option would be the most expensive in terms of construction and operational costs, due to the need to extend the light rail track along Wharf Road.

The second Nobbys Beach option considered was via Scott Street and Parnell Place. The light rail stop would be located right next to the headland overlooking the ocean – a location that is very exposed to the weather, with potentially high winds. In addition, this option may require removing on-street parking in Scott Street and presents negative traffic impacts and driveway access between Pacific Street and Parnell Place. This option would involve the longest light rail route and the highest construction and operational costs.

Alternative Newcastle Beach optionsZaara Street was also considered as a potential location to take light rail to Newcastle Beach. This option was not included as part of the preferred route because:

• Parking and access to driveways in Zaara Street would need to be removed or relocated in front of businesses

• The turning movement for light rail vehicles to access Zaara Street from Scott Street would slow down traffic

• It would attract higher costs compared to creating a stop at Pacific Park

• There would be less activity around the light rail stop in the evenings compared to Pacific Park

A different stop location was also considered at Pacific Park via Hunter Street and Hunter Street Mall. The major disadvantage associated with this option is that it would require removing park land.

A light rail stop at Telford Street, by comparison, does not have any impact on Pacific Park and it is close to the Newcastle Beach pedestrian underpass.

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Figure 07 Comparative performance of options for light rail route against strategic criteria

Option Enabling urban revitalisation

Maximising customer

experience

Maximising transport network

efficiency

Minimising construction

and operational costs

Minimising delivery risk

Supporting future planning

Rail corridor

Hunter Street and Scott Street

Hunter Street and Hunter Street Mall

Rail corridor and Scott Street

Rail corridor and Hunter Street Mall

Legend Option does not support criteria

Option strongly supports criteria

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We are delivering an integrated multi-modal transport network for the Newcastle city centre – with some temporary changes during construction to ensure a smooth transition. Other more permanent changes will continue after light rail is completed. The changes are about making sure buses, light rail and heavy rail all function well together to maximise benefit for customers using public transport services in the CBD.

Temporary bus services during construction

During construction of new transport interchange at WickhamDuring construction, all train services will terminate at Broadmeadow. A replacement shuttle bus service will run between Broadmeadow and Newcastle train stations via either an all-stops route via Hamilton or an express route to Newcastle station via Belford Street and Tudor Street. Bus stops will be located in Hunter Street close to existing Wickham, Civic and Newcastle train stations.

During construction of light rail Once the transport interchange is open at Wickham, customers will exit their train and walk a short distance to a bus interchange on the northern side of the new train station. A shuttle bus will run between Wickham and Civic or Newcastle to allow customers to complete their journey into the city centre. The shuttle bus will run along Hunter Street and terminate at the existing Newcastle bus interchange. Extra buses will run during peak periods and for special events in the city centre.

INTEGRATION WITH THE BUS NETWORK

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F

SOUTHPACIFICOCEAN

HUNTERRIVER

COOKSHILL

THE JUNCTION

CARRINGTONHAMILTON

NORTH

LAMBTON

WARATAH

HAMILTON

ISLINGTON

NEWCASTLEWEST

TIGHESHILL

ADAMSTOWN

HAMILTONEAST

MEREWETHER

STOCKTON

WICKHAMNEW

LAMBTON

BARBEACH

HAMILTONSOUTH

MARYVILLE

THE HILL

BROADMEADOW

GEORGETOWN

NEWCASTLE

Hamilton

Wickham

HunterSt Mall

CivicHoneysuckle

Broadmeadow

SHOWGROUND

HUNTERSTADIUM

BROADMEADOWRACECOURSE

L

T

TT

T

TT

UNIO

N ST

REET

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HAM

RO

AD

KING STREET

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BEAU

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NT

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ET

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DUMARESQ STREET

GLEBE ROAD

NATIO

NAL P

ARK S

TREE

T

STEW

ART A

VENUE

CLYDE STREET

YOUNG ROAD

M

EMORIAL

GRIFFITHS ROAD

TUDOR STREET

CHAT

HAM

STR

EET

DARB

Y ST

REET

WAT

T ST

REET

WHARF ROAD

RIVER

RESERVE ROAD

COWPER STREET

LAMBTON ROAD

TOOKE STREETPARKWAY AVENUE

CHINCHEN STREET

MAITLAND ROAD

BROWN ROAD

BELFORD STREET

DONALD STREET

DARLING STREET

BRUNKER ROAD

TURT

ON R

OAD

CITY ROAD

BRIDGES ROAD

GEORGETOWN ROAD

HUNTER STREET

MIT

CHEL

L ST

REET

FULLERTO

N STREET

SCOTT STREET

ALBERT STREET

HAN

NEL

L ST

REET

HUDSON STREET

GRAHAM ROAD

BOU

RKE STREET

0 150 300 450 600 75075

Metres

L

L

LL

L

L

Once light rail is operationalOnce light rail is completed between Wickham and the Newcastle city centre, the shuttle bus service will be discontinued. Train customers will exit at Wickham and continue their journey to the city centre via light rail. Light rail services will run at least every 10 minutes as a minimum.

A restructured bus network A new, permanent bus network will be introduced when the new multi-modal transport interchange opens at Wickham – and will continue after light rail is delivered.

These changes are about ensuring buses and light rail integrate effectively within the city centre – avoiding duplication of public

transport routes and ensuring convenient customer journeys whatever the mode.

Key changes introduced by the bus network redesign are:

• Fewer bus routes and fewer services in the city centre with the introduction of light rail as a faster, more reliable service

• Approximately 16 additional bus routes arriving and departing from the new Wickham interchange, Marketown and Broadmeadow

• A new light rail stop at Queens Wharf will replace the majority of bus services that currently run to Queens Wharf near Newcastle station.

Figure 08 Restructured bus network after delivery of light rail

Newcastle light rail

Potential future light rail extension

Sydney / Central Coast line (electric trains)

Hunter line (diesel trains)

Future Hunter line extension

L Light rail stop

Electric rail stop

Diesel rail stop

Key bus transfer connection

Proposed bus route

Existing ferry service

Existing bus stop

Ferry terminal

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Light rail has the potential to play an even greater role in the Newcastle’s future transport network. Light rail is an opportunity to strengthen communities by connecting key centres over time with a high quality transport service.

As we plan for the first light rail route in Newcastle, dependent on the 99 year lease of the Newcastle Port, we are at the same time investigating how the light rail could be extended to new destinations and major activity centres in Newcastle in the future. Consultation will be carried out in relation to any future network extensions.

Priorities for the wider network In considering the development of the broader network, we will apply the following priorities:

• Developing where possible, straight routes with minimal turns and loops to help speed up journey time

• Stops located every 300 to 600m in the city centre and 800m to 1km in the suburbs

• Stops that are easily accessible by walking or cycling

• Turn up and go services at least every 10-15 minutes

• Seamless integration with buses, heavy rail and ferry services

• For on-street routes, dedicated lanes to improve reliability.

This is similar to the approach we are taking to extend the light rail network in Sydney.

Construction is underway on the 5.6 km Inner West Light Rail extension from Lilyfield to Dulwich Hill – on track for completion in 2014.

Planning for the CBD and South East Light Rail is also underway with public exhibition of the Environmental Impact Statement completed on 16 December 2013.

Potential destinations for the wider network We have identified a number of major destinations in Newcastle that could be served by a wider light rail network in the future.

These destinations span education, retail, medical, residential, entertainment, employment and redevelopment sites.

They include the University of Newcastle, at both Callaghan and Civic; Charlestown Square; John Hunter Hospital; Mater Hospital; Newcastle Airport; and Hunter Stadium.

We will investigate these options further as the demand for public transport increases.

LONG TERM WIDER LIGHT RAIL NETWORK INVESTIGATIONS

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Help to transform Newcastle’s city centre and have your say on the preferred light rail route outlined in this document.

From now until 28 February 2014, we want to hear your views on the preferred light rail route which was identified from a shortlist of five options. Your input will help us to consider the preferred route in more detail on its own merits and in comparison with other options through the Newcastle city centre and to the beach.

There will be a number of opportunities to provide your feedback in 2014, including at local community information and feedback sessions.

Consultation will then continue later in 2014 during a formal public exhibition process.

HOW TO HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE LIGHT RAIL ROUTE

Questions to help guide your feedback:

1. How would the preferred route option from Wickham to Newcastle Beach via the heavy rail corridor and Scott Street enable, support or impact Newcastle’s renewal?

2. How does the preferred route option from Wickham to Newcastle Beach via the heavy rail corridor and Scott Street compare to the other route options in the shortlist in terms of benefiting Newcastle the most?

3. What do you think are the most important opportunities, challenges or other matters we should consider in analysing the preferred light rail route?

4. How well does the preferred light rail route from Wickham to Newcastle Beach via the heavy rail corridor and Scott Street improve the customer transport experience?

5. How well does the preferred light rail route from Wickham to Newcastle Beach via the heavy rail corridor and Scott Street support an effective future transport network for the Hunter?

6. How would you like to continue to be engaged in the development of light rail in Newcastle?

You can make a comment by:

Online www.transport.nsw.gov.au/engagement

Email newcastlelightrail@

transport.nsw.gov.au

Mail PO Box K659

Haymarket NSW 1240

Phone 1800 263 882

@

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Consultation to inform decisions to date has included:

• Monthly meetings with the Coordination and Delivery Group, which includes three community representatives from Maitland and Newcastle

• More than 400 public submissions to the Newcastle Urban Renewal Strategy

• More than 190 public submissions from the Hunter region to the NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan with over 100 people attending a public forum

• Ideas business and community groups have shared with Transport for NSW on Newcastle Light Rail

• Planning workshops, bringing together government agencies and Newcastle City Council

• Targeted meetings with key stakeholders

• Analysis of public commentary about the Newcastle Light Rail project.

WE LISTENED

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For more information visit to www.transport.nsw.gov.au/engagement

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