Modern design of Wickham transport interchange will bring Newcastle into the future
An impressive design has been unveiled for the new Newcastle bus exchange, which is expected to open in 2017.
The transport interchange at Wickham is heralded as a key project that will link customers with trains, buses, taxis and create employment in Newcastle.
New South Wales premier Mike Baird and transport minister Andrew Constance unveiled the new design for the transport interchange at Wickham this week.
“The Wickham transport interchange is a key part of the NSW Government’s plan to revitalise Newcastle, which will unlock the city’s potential and create numerous new jobs in the process,” Baird says.
“The state-of-the-art transport interchange will allow for the future development of Newcastle light-rail that will help to reconnect the city with the foreshore.”
Community and public transport industry feedback on the original design prompted an update to the original plan,” Constance says.
“We’ve listened and made design changes that reflect the city’s history, but changes that also show its future,” he says.
“We want to create a striking public space that not only looks good, but will provide easy access for public transport customers.”
The new modern design also pays homage to Newcastle’s industrial past as a coal and steel port, as well integrating the latest technology.
Further feedback will be sought from residents, businesses and council in August to finalise the more cosmetic aspects, including urban design elements, landscaping and public artworks.
The grand-opening in two years is set to coincide with the roll out of the new NSW intercity train fleet and four organisations are now on the shortlist to tender for this massive contract.