The Minns Labor Government is continuing to drive Newcastle's transformation, today announcing DOMA Group as the successful delivery partner for Honeysuckle HQ, the final piece in the revitalisation of Newcastle Harbour.
The landmark mixed-use precinct will deliver around 1,000 new homes alongside jobs, public spaces, hospitality, tourism and cultural offerings on the city's iconic harbourfront.
For decades, the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) has led the renewal of Honeysuckle, transforming former industrial land into a vibrant waterfront destination with Honeysuckle HQ being the final piece of the puzzle.
The project supports the Minns Labor Government's commitment to building more homes in well-connected locations close to jobs, transport and entertainment, while creating vibrant communities people want to live in.
The proposal includes around 1,000 new homes, commercial and retail space to support around 4,000 workers, and a new 180-room hotel and conference centre integrated with the heritage-listed Wickham School of Arts.
The master-planned precinct will feature more than 11,000 square metres of public open space, including a new waterfront park known as 'Honeysuckle Green', a Wickham School of Arts-anchored plaza, improved pedestrian connections and shared public spaces designed to maximise community access to the harbourfront.
The project is expected to deliver significant economic benefits for Newcastle and the wider Hunter region, supporting jobs during construction and helping grow the city's visitor, tourism and night-time economies.
Construction is anticipated to contribute around $80 million annually to the economy, while the completed precinct is expected to generate approximately $133 million each year for the city and region.
Site preparation works are expected to begin in 2026.
Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:
"The Hunter is growing, and the Minns Labor Government is backing the homes, jobs and investment our region needs.
"This is the final piece of a transformation that has turned old industrial land into one of the best waterfront precincts in Australia.
"This is exactly the kind of project the Hunter deserves - ambitious, practical and built around what makes Newcastle great: the harbour, the heritage and the people.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:
"This is exactly the kind of city-shaping project the Minns Labor Government wants to see more of. Delivering new homes, jobs, public spaces and economic activity in the heart of Newcastle.
"We know NSW needs more homes and that means unlocking well-located land close to transport, jobs, and entertainment, while creating vibrant communities people want to live in.
"Honeysuckle HQ will help deliver around 1,000 new homes while continuing to transform Newcastle's harbour into a thriving destination for residents, workers and visitors."
Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp said:
"I have advocated at every opportunity for many years to have the Wickham School of Arts preserved and integrated into this project. This now means that it will be conserved in perpetuity, a wonderful outcome for our local community.
"I am proud to be preserving our past while stepping into Newcastle's future with new homes, new jobs, and new energy on our harbourfront."
HCCDC Chief Executive Valentina Misevska said:
"Today's milestone announcement marks a significant moment in the Honeysuckle Urban Renewal Project and reflects what the community told us they wanted to see - a well-connected precinct with quality public spaces, that strengthens connections to the waterfront and transport and creates opportunities for vibrant activation.
"It also delivers on ambitions for high quality design and sustainability, while respecting the area's heritage and culture, creating a precinct that offers something for everyone."
DOMA Group Managing Director Jure Domazet said:
"Honeysuckle HQ will be something truly special for Newcastle, and we are proud that our proposal for this harbourfront precinct will create an iconic landmark destination, a legacy the city truly deserves.
"We engaged four leading architectural firms to shape each building with a distinct design vision, creating something unique, interesting and inspired by the enviable setting.
"DOMA Group is honoured to continue our investment in the Hunter region and to have the opportunity to deliver this world class city-shaping precinct for Newcastle."
