Community feedback sought on parking at Blackbutt Village

Artist Impression of Orchardtown Road

A survey seeking community feedback on proposed changes to timed parking at New Lambton's Blackbutt Village launched today as part of a $3.7 million upgrade of the popular local centre.

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Traffic and Transport Manager Ryan Tranter said that improving the management of parking has been a focal point of discussions with businesses and residents.

"When we spoke to the community during the development of this upgrade we heard concerns about pedestrian safety and connectivity, and also the importance of available of short-term parking for people visiting the shops and local services," Mr Tranter said.

"We understand that it is important for the New Lambton community to be able to support small local businesses, and that parking is a key consideration when choosing where to shop."

The online survey is seeking community views on a range of free, timed parking options encouraged to boost the availability of spaces close to the shops. Proposed restrictions will reduce all day parking in the area and promote active turn-over of spaces to improve access to the precinct.

The options were developed in consultation with local businesses at a workshop held earlier this year.

The Local Centre upgrade commenced in March, beginning with construction of a new footpath along Freyberg Street connecting Orchardtown Road and Richley Reserve, and the planting of over 30 street trees. Similar improvements are currently being delivered in Dunkley Avenue, and construction of upgrades to stormwater infrastructure and road surfaces in the western car park will also commence soon.

Construction is scheduled for overall completion in early 2024. The upgrade has been supported with a $591,677 grant from the NSW Government under Round Seven of the Resources for Regions program.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said Resources for Regions has delivered 242 projects worth $420 million for mining communities in the last 10 years.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting regional mining towns that supply our state with these precious resources, that’s why we’re topping up the Resources for Regions fund in the 2022-23 Budget,” Mr Toole said.

The project is being delivered as part of City of Newcastle’s Local Centres program and follows similar upgrades at Carrington, Beresfield, Joslin Street in Kotara, Llewellyn Street in Merewether, James Street Plaza in Hamilton, and upgrades currently under construction in Stockton and Shortland.