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Media Release - Minister's Office Sydney: 10 July 2008 NSW GOVERNMENT GRANTS CONSENT FOR 'THE ROYAL' REDEVELOPMENT NSW Planning Minister Frank Sartor, today approved a $90 million first stage of the revitalisation of the former Royal Newcastle Hospital site. The approved project forms part of the overall redevelopment proposal for the RNH site which gained concept approval from the Minister in January last year and when complete will open up the prominent coastal site for public use. “This first project approval on the site will deliver a mix of residential, hotel and retail facilities as well as significant improvements to the public domain,” Mr Sartor said. “The redevelopment is part of the revitalisation of the Newcastle CBD and will provide further opportunities to live, shop and dine just metres from Newcastle Beach. The redevelopment of the site is also expected to generate over 250 construction jobs and 100 full-time equivalent jobs when complete. Mr Sartor said the plan – which was submitted by developer Mirvac - allows for improved connectivity between the city and beach and creates a public piazza with the tallest buildings located on the western side of the site back from Newcastle Beach. Mirvac can now proceed with the construction of 146 residential apartments, an 89-room hotel and 1,430sqm of retail floor space across three buildings. Mr Sartor said the redevelopment of the site is a good example of master planned urban renewal and reflected the strong collaboration between Landcom and Mirvac. Member for Newcastle Jodi McKay said the approved plan celebrated the site’s history and cultural heritage and recognised that the Royal Newcastle Hospital was held in high regard by many in the community. “Demolition and clearing of the site has now been completed and it is great to see Mirvac able to move straight to construction on this critical inner city site,” she said. “By providing employment, tourism, local investment, and residential growth this development will have a positive impact on business confidence within the region.”
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