The new-look Hamilton Station Park will host the popular Hawker Street Markets for the first time this September following the completion of a $290,000 upgrade by City of Newcastle.
Visitors were welcomed back to the park today following a range of improvements including new accessible seating, landscaping work, a weather-proof purpose-built donation cupboard and a community notice board.
Councillors Paige Johnson and Joel Pringle join Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp, BIA Chair Kasey Pollard and local Indigenous artist, Koan Cashman in the new-look Hamilton Station Park.The project, which was shaped by community feedback and developed in collaboration with NSW Police, was supported by an $80,000 NSW Government Community Building Partnership grant.
Ward Two Councillors said they're excited to see the park become a more welcoming space.
"This project was designed to improve the park's functionality, accessibility and safety," Cr Jenny Barrie said.
"The key elements will enable the park to be activated more often. We've improved the electrical supply to allow for the installation of a security light and colour-changeable ambient lighting on the bollards in the garden.
"Upgrades to water connections have provided the community with a drinking bubbler, tap and a dog bowl."
Councillor Paige Johnson said accessibility improvements were also a key factor in the project that will support the use of the space for the whole community.
"These works have delivered the installation of a new kerb ramp, upgrades to pathways, as well as accessible modular seating with handrails," Cr Johnson said.
"The landscaping has opened up the park area, while a surface garden beneath the iconic Moreton Bay fig will protect the tree's root system. An accessible all-weather gravel pathway around the fig and through the park has improved access for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users and prams.
"The gravel features a permeable surface made from 100% recycled material, which allows water to drain through quickly. The same material was used for the hard stand area, which provides a solid surface suitable for food trucks at community events."
Councillor Joel Pringle said visitors to the park will also be greeted by new visual elements.
"The Welcome to Place sign will invite people to learn about the historical and ongoing relationship our Traditional Custodians have with this space and its surrounds," Cr Pringle said.
"First Nations people gathered here for thousands of years and we want the park to continue to be a place for all people to enjoy. The sign incorporates artwork specifically created for this space by local Indigenous artist, Koan Cashman.
"On the other side of the sign will be a community notice board, with information about community support services and local activities promoted by the Hamilton Business Improvement Association.
"The new weather-proof, purpose-built donation cupboard has been positioned in a well-lit, visible location at the front of the park to improve safety for those in need and people who donate."
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said Hamilton is a wonderful and vibrant community, and now it has a park that reflects that.
"When passengers come off the train they walk straight into Hamilton Station Park, so it is important the park is open and welcoming for residents and visitors alike," Mr Crakanthorp said.
"The goal behind this project was to make Hamilton a safer and more welcoming place for all and I am so excited to see this revamped park be transformed into a Hawker Market next month."
Hamilton's Business Improvement Association (BIA) Chair Kasey Pollard said the BIA is extremely happy to see Hamilton Station Park renewed.
"This space acts as a gateway to Beaumont Street for many people travelling to the area by train," Ms Pollard said.
"The upgrade provides a much better first impression to the Hamilton business precinct and we expect the surrounding businesses to find this beneficial for trade with improved visitation.
"The BIA is also looking forward to hosting the Hawker Markets in the park on September 12. This larger park footprint should improve the event experience for everyone involved."
The Hawker Markets will see the park lit up with neon signs promoting a range of street food, outdoor dining and sweet treats, with plenty of family friendly fun on offer including face painting, live music and roving entertainment.
