Construction boom sparks interest in development review panel

'Arbor' at 810 Hunter Street, Newcastle West.

Highly qualified professionals from all over Australia expressed interest in being part of Newcastle's growth as a member of the City's Urban Design Review Panel (UDRP).

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The most recent UDRP, which evaluated and critiqued more than $1.5 billion worth of developments in Newcastle just last year, completed its three-year term at the end of June.

The new panel has been expanded to meet growing demand, incorporating seven members and a Chairperson, who will provide advice to City of Newcastle and applicants on the quality of the design and amenity of development proposals.

An expression of interest process was held to formulate the make-up of the new panel, with 35 applicants whittled down based on experience and technical expertise to ensure a balanced spread of design disciplines.

Phillip Pollard will return as Chairperson for the new three-year term, while Kerry Hunter, Kristine Cianci, Kelly O'Connell and Colin Brady have all been retained as members.

Joining them on the panel for the first time will be Elisabeth Peet who has qualifications in architecture and urban design, award-winning architect Lachlan Seegers and landscape architect David Taylor.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the URDP has played an important role in the development of Newcastle.

"The panel is the oldest continuously serving urban design and architectural advisory body in New South Wales," Cr Nelmes said.

"The former panel met 13 times in 2023 to contribute their extensive industry experience and expertise, providing guidance to City of Newcastle and applicants on 48 development proposals to ensure we continue to raise the bar in urban planning and design.

"We are excited to welcome three new highly capable members to the panel for the next three years who will continue to set positive benchmarks for future development in and around the city."

Chairperson Phillip Pollard said he's delighted to be reappointed to the UDRP.

"By providing expert urban design advice at an early stage, the UDRP has consistently demonstrated that good design need not cost more, and that design quality contributes in multiple ways to the outstanding heritage and natural attributes of the city,” Mr Pollard said.

"The input of the UDRP has also offered the local building and development industry a degree of confidence to pursue high design quality goals and adventurous city making.

"I'd like to thank the members and former members for their dedication and outstanding contribution and look forward to contributing positively to the development of the city over the next three years."

Kerry Hunter said the UDRP brings a passion and commitment to positive city-making.

"It's exciting to see City of Newcastle introducing a larger collegiate of skilled architectural, urban and landscape practitioners who will further enrich this design review process," Ms Hunter said.

"We are seeing many projects recognising there is a shared public and private benefit, and greater public value that communities bestow on development that achieves design excellence. These outcomes shape the physical form and quality of spaces, places and buildings, and improved amenity that will be enjoyed for decades to come.

"City of Newcastle has been ambitious in its aspirations and is to be congratulated. I very much look forward to the next three years of the UDRP."

Significant development proposals considered by the URDP in 2023 included $71 million twin-tower luxury apartment complex, 'ONE' on National Park Street in Newcastle West, a $29 million mixed use development and a further $116 million mixed use development both on Hunter Street, and a $12 million customised commercial space, 'Arbour', also in Newcastle West.

Members of the new panel bring a range of experience to the role including master planning, crime prevention through environmental design, heritage architecture, residential, commercial and urban design.

Other areas of expertise include locally significant projects such as residential flat buildings, seniors living developments, affordable housing projects, new schools, childcare projects and public parks.