City of Newcastle has turned its focus underground as part of a new milestone in its landmark affordable housing project on Hunter Street.
A development application (DA) has been lodged to enable the investigation and remediation of any former mine workings located underneath the 4,125 sqm site known as Rail Bridge Row.
Chair of City of Newcastle's Asset Advisory Committee, Cr Declan Clausen, said this work is essential to stabilise the site in advance of future construction and follows a range of site investigations.
"Much of our city sits above former underground mines, a reminder of our city's industrial past. By securing the ground beneath us, we're working for the future of inclusive, affordable living on the Rail Bridge Row site," Cr Clausen said.
"Early site assessments, as well as remediation work undertaken in recent years on nearby sites suggests there may be former mine workings from the Dudley Coal Seam present underneath the Rail Bridge Row site.
"This DA will allow us to gather more detail on the site and enable us to remediate any workings that are located, as part of a comprehensive mine grouting and verification plan, which has received approval from Subsidence Advisory New South Wales
"Subject to approval of the DA, remediation works are anticipated to begin in March 2026 targeting the Dudley Coal Seam, which is located approximately 25 metres below ground level.
"Comprehensive Aboriginal and European heritage assessments have also been conducted in recognition of the site's cultural and historical significance, to ensure no heritage items would be impacted by future excavations or mine grouting work."
The Rail Bridge Row site was purchased by City of Newcastle from Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation in 2020 and is earmarked for a multi-storey mixed-use development, that will provide affordable housing units alongside ground-floor retail.
Chair of City of Newcastle's Housing Affordability Working Party, Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk, said the project could pave the way for similar developments in the future at other City of Newcastle sites.
"This bold affordable housing project is another significant step forward in City of Newcastle's work to ensure housing in every part of our city supports a flourishing and diverse community, with access to jobs and amenity and transport networks, for people of all incomes," Cr Adamczyk said.
"With submissions for a Community Housing Provider to act as development partner currently under review, these foundational works send a clear signal to our community and potential future partners of this local government's commitment to doing everything we can to foster a more accessible, inclusive and affordable housing system."
The Rail Bridge Row site is located at 280 Hunter Street and stretches from Brown Street to near the intersection of Darby and Hunter Streets, opposite the Crown Street light rail stop.
