Cessnock City Council is undertaking works which will deliver a staged implementation of a project which proposes to enhance Cessnock CBD as an attractive place to visit, with features that appeal to visitors and locals alike. These include easy access to car parking and well connected, visually appealing public spaces. The new CBD will improve pedestrian accessibility and provide cycling opportunities.
We value our business community, and we promise to keep businesses informed during the construction.
What's happening now?
Works notification update: 15 July 2019
Its the biggest week for the Project since works commenced!
Cessnock City Council is improving Cooper and Charlton Streets, Cessnock with road pavement improvement, new raised threshold treatment, drainage works, new footpath paving, installation of planter boxes, street trees and street furniture. Works will also include the reinstallation of a roundabout and associated signs and line markings.
Night-time work will commence Tuesday 16 July 2019 to Thursday 18 July 2019 from 8pm-5am.
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No vehicle access through Cooper Street between Keene Street and Vincent Street during these works.
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No vehicle access through Charlton Street between the Coles carpark and Woolworths carpark during these works.
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The road will be re-opened each morning back to the construction period traffic flows.
These works will consist of milling the road at the intersection of Cooper and Charlton Streets and laying new stabilised subgrade road aggregate.
All reasonable efforts will be made to complete the works on schedule, subject to weather and ground conditions. We will notify residents and businesses if there are significant changes to the program.
The works being undertaken:
- Profiling the road at the intersection of Cooper and Charlton Streets
- Laying new stabilised road pavement
- Laying a bitumen coat seal
What do you need to be aware of?
- There will be periods of medium to high level noise associated with these works
- Profiling machine will be used to remove road surface
- Large stabilisation machinery will be used to treat the road pavement
- Heavy compaction equipment will be compacting the stabilised pavement
- All necessary precautions from noise, vibration and dust will be managed by CA&I,
- Pedestrian access will be maintained during the project and temporary ramps installed at the end of each shift
- No access through Cooper Street between Keene Street and Vincent Street
- No access through Charlton Street between Coles carpark and Woolworths Carpark
Detours will be in place as per the below diagram:
Cessnock City Council and the contractor CA&I appreciate your cooperation and apologise in advance for any inconvenience that these necessary works may cause.
Previous Updates and Information
Delivery vehicle height restriction to Lederer Plaza
- Due to the upgrade road works on Cooper Street, please inform all delivery vehicles (affected by height restriction) to avoid the height restricted access on Cooper Street.
- Please ensure all delivery vehicles use either Charlton Street or Keene Street for safe access into the Lederer Complex.
- These temporary vehicle routes will be in place until the middle of August 2019.
Project progressing nicely
Quality and safety a priority!
Council's Project Engineer, Brent Matthews and our Risk and Safety Advisor, Louise Cairns on the ground to inspect the safety and quality of the works, as well as undertake an environmental audit. The team are pleased by the performance of the Contractor engaged to undertake the works.
The achievements of the project to date can be downloaded here.
Bird's eye view
Time lapse camera installed
Council has installed a time lapse camera to record the progress of our construction project in the CBD!
This will allow Council to track progress in the build, and the changes to our town over the period of construction.
The Works:
Upgrade of Cooper and Charlton Streets Stage 1.1
Sunday 26 May 2019 - expected to be finalised in September 2019
Works commenced on Sunday 26 May 2019 with the temporary removal of the roundabout at Charlton and Cooper Streets.
The intersection will reopen at 5am on Monday 27 May and detours will be put in place as works continue under Stage 1.1. The works will include road pavement improvement featuring a raised threshold treatment, underground drainage works, new pavers, installation of planter boxes, street trees and provision of bench seating.
All reasonable efforts will be made to complete the works on schedule, subject to weather and ground conditions. Residents and businesses will be notified if there are significant changes to the program.
Stage 1.1
Stage 1.1 will include road pavement improvement featuring a raised threshold treatment, underground drainage works, new pavers, installation of planter boxes, trees and the provision of new street furniture.
Click here to view a map of Stage 1.1 works.
Road Closures:
The works will take place in three stages to allow one way traffic access through the work zone.
Works are initially scheduled to take place on the west side of Charlton Street. Charlton Street will be reduced to one lane northbound from Monday 27 May 2019.
Cooper Street will be reduced to one lane between Vincent Street and North Avenue. The westbound lane will remain open to one-way traffic. Detours will be in place.
Pedestrian access will be maintained during the project.
Work Hours:
Standard work hours:
7am to 6pm Monday to Friday
7am to 5pm Saturday
Night work hours:
9pm to 5am Sunday to Thursday
Stakeholders will be notified prior to any commencement of night works.
Car park:
16 car spaces have been removed in the CBD to allow for site preparation.
Adjacent parking will remain available throughout the works.
Enquiries:
General enquiries:
For any general questions or more information about the project, please contact Cessnock City Council customer service on
02 4993 4100
Downloads
What has been achieved?
Works complete!
Town Centre signs installed
Current locations:
- TAFE Park (picture)
- Sternbeck Park
- Conways Corner
Proposed locations:
- Cumberland Street near new pedestrian refuge (western side)
- Between Cessnock Performing Arts Centre and Pedens Hotel
- Corner near Aldi roundabout
Works complete!
Pedestrian Connection Cumberland Street - CBD to Bridges Hill Park
Mid April 2019 to Mid May 2019
This project includes installation of pedestrian refuge, kerb narrowing blisters, associated footpath connection, pram ramps and installation of signs and line markings. New pedestrian refuge is to separate oncoming vehicles taking the curve, assist pedestrians crossing the road and create a safer road environment.
Works complete!
North Avenue and Keene Street
Sunday 5 May 2019 - Tuesday 21 May 2019
On Sunday 5 May 2019 works commenced on North Avenue and Keene Street to upgrade pedestrian facilities. Night works have now ended on North Avenue and Keene Street, with the completion of kerbs and road resurfacing. Landscape planting, signs and line marking will be completed in the days following the 21 May 2019. The new and safer pedestrian crossing will also be finalised shortly, but is already accessible.
Click Here to view a map of the North Avenue and Keene Street works
Under construction:
Bridges Hill Park Playground and Access Improvement Project
The project involves two key components: the access improvements and then the Bridges Hill Playground upgrades.
Fastastic new family facilities have been put in, the adventure playground creates and enjoyable space and 3 new fitness stations have been installed.
Under Design:
Charlton Street and Marketplace car park
Council is currently undertaking a redesign of the spatial layout and traffic flows for the Charlton Street and Cessnock Marketplace car parks that connect to Wollombi Road. Stay tuned for more information on this future project.
What can you do for your business?
Stay informed. Be proactive. Share the vision!
(You can expand or collapse the sections below by clicking on the + or - symbols)
Stay informed:
Many factors can delay the works timeline, including weather and site conditions. Staying informed will allow you to adjust your business planning and strategy during the works.
Be proactive:
Share what you know with your staff so they’re not late to work, with your suppliers so they know how to access your business and with your clients so they know where to park. Click below to view the road closure map and download a printable map of the works to display in your window.
Share the vision!
The vision for the new CBD includes thriving retail opportunities, easy access to car parking and well connected, visually appealing public spaces. Remind your staff, suppliers and clients that that the short-term pain is worth the long-term gain.
Additional Resources for your business
NSW Business Connect Bus
30 May 2019 - 9am to 3pm
The Business Connect Bus will be rolling back into Cessnock on Thursday 30 May 2019!
Register or come along if you need assistance with business strategies including, marketing, financial planning and legal advice.
NSW Business Connect Advisors
Business Connect Advisors are experienced professionals who provide confidential advice independently from the NSW Government.
Click here to register for free business advice.
Hunter Region Business Hub
The Hunter Region Business Hub can assist existing small to medium enterprises who are experiencing issues, want to grow, or just want to be better.
The Business Centre
Through education, mentoring, advice and acceleration, The Business Centre offers practical solutions, guidance and direction to support you in achieving business growth and sustainability.
Fully and partially subsidised services are available to suit your individual needs, based on your industry sector, stage of business growth and personal skillsets.
Keeping you informed
Read the Latest Media Release
Council’s Infrastructure Manager, Katrina Kerr said "The program of works has been designed with businesses in mind including some night works. Temporary pedestrian access will also be in place to ensure foot traffic can navigate the work site and access businesses throughout the construction period". Read more...
View the Timeline: Project Background
Find out more about Cessnock Under Construction and discover the background and history of the project.
Sign up to Work Updates
Register your business to the Cessnock Under Construction newsletter if you wish to be included in works dedicated correspondence from the Economic Development team.
Archive: Email updates to businesses
View the Commercial Precinct Project Documents
Cessnock CBD Master Plan
A number of projects are planned to achieve the vision set out under the Cessnock CBD Master Plan.
Cessnock Commercial Precinct Project
The Cessnock Commercial Precinct Project consists of a suite of strategic planning documents that provide a long term vision, guidance and coordination for future development within the Cessnock Commercial Precinct.
Public Domain Plan and Implementation Plan
The Public Domain Plan (PDP) was prepared by Context Landscape Design in consultation with the Cessnock Council and the community.
Development Control Plan
The Development Control Plan provides development controls for the development of land comprising the ‘Cessnock Commercial Precinct’.
The Cessnock Commercial Precinct project is funded through the Australian Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund and NSW Governments Restart NSW– Resources for Regions Program in collaboration with Cessnock City Council.
To find out more about this project including background information and what the future holds for the CBD visit:
Cessnock Under Construction
This page was last updated on:
15 Jul 2019
About Us
Advance Cessnock City is operated by Cessnock City Council’s Economic Development team, and provides support for businesses to invest, establish, expand, grow and prosper.
Contact Us
Rhiannon Stevens
Acting Economic Development Manager