Cultural Precinct
A cultural precinct is an area that concentrates a range of cultural experiences within a central, easily accessible location.
Newcastle’s Civic and Cultural Precinct is centred on the area bounded by Wheeler Place, Auckland Street, Queen Street and the Harbour.
It includes such facilities as the Newcastle Region Art Gallery, School of Music and Conservatorium, University House, Council's Central Administration Building, City Hall, Civic Theatre, Newcastle Region Library, Performing Arts Newcastle, Honeysuckle and Octapod buildings, Wheeler Place, Civic Station and the waterfront.
CCP Master Plan
On 16 March 2004 Council adopted a Civic and Cultural Precinct Master Plan to address the physical aspects of delivering a civic and cultural precinct.Six principles underline the vision of the Master Plan:
- Revitalising the Civic and Cultural Precinct
- Strengthening Public Space Connections
- Leading in Environmental Innovation
- Greening the Civic and Cultural Centre
- Celebrating Built and Cultural Heritage
- Activating Streets and Public Spaces.
The Master Plan provides background information about the consultation process and history of the CCP.
The further development of the Civic and Cultural Precinct will make a significant contribution to the cultural identity, cultural expression and civic life of Newcastle and the Hunter region.
History of the CCP
To better understand the role of the Civic and Cultural Precinct in the past and provide cues to future uses, a study of the progressive transformation of the area was commissioned in 2002.
The study provides insight into the past uses of significant buildings and spaces within the precinct and how current uses have developed over time.
- Part One – pre 1920s 1374 kb pdf
- Part Two – post 1920s 1023 kb pdf
Realising the vision
In tandem with the Master Plan, the Newcastle Live Sites program has also jointly been developed and funded by Council, Newcastle Alliance, the Honeysuckle Development Corporation, and the NSW Ministry for the Arts to coordinate more events in the heart of Newcastle.
This program supplements the existing calendar of events throughout the city and integrates the ideas and talents of local performing artists with the aim of providing development and employment opportunities for the performing arts industry.
To enhance the connection and functionality of public spaces within the C&CP, a Public Domain Plan is also being developed along with a review of the Civic Park Plan of Management.
Contact information
For further information contact Council’s Principal Business Strategist on 02 4974 2829.
