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.
18 November 2019
Pedestrian safety a priority for Cessnock CBD Works
Works in the Cessnock CBD are winding down with the majority of the upgrade now completed in Cooper and Charlton Streets. Council is finalising works that will ensure the safety of pedestrians in the Cessnock CBD with the introduction of a 10 km/h Shared Zone. Council’s Infrastructure Manager, Katrina Kerr thanked the business owners and residents for their patience.
“The plan was to have the project finalised earlier but as the upgrade has progressed we’ve identified new opportunities to deliver a safer finished product. Council has received approval from Roads Maritimes Services to implement a 10 km/h Shared Zone along the paved section of Charlton Street, on each side of Cooper Street. This is an excellent addition, as it will significantly improve pedestrian safety so that shoppers can move freely around the CBD.”
Drivers are reminded that a 10 km/h Shared Zone is a road where pedestrians and other vehicles share the road safely. Drivers are legally required to give way to all pedestrians and not exceed the 10km/h speed limit. It’s all about putting pedestrians first and slowing vehicles down in an area that has very high pedestrian activity. Signage will be installed to ensure drivers and pedestrians are aware of the change to traffic flows and that pedestrians have priority of movement in the area.
The activity in the CBD is part of Stage 1.1 of delivering the Cessnock CBD Master Plan and associated Cessnock Commercial Precinct Project. This is all part of the Cessnock CBD Revitalisation that includes the Bridges Hill Park Playground project and access improvement upgrades.
To find out more about this project including background information and what the future holds for the CBD visit www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/community/cessnockconstruction.
The project is funded through the Australian Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund and NSW Governments Restart NSW– Resources for Regions Program. For further information about shared zones visit Centre for Road SafetyTransport for NSW.
Previous Updates and Information
Works are progressing well in the Cessnock CBD. Crews are continuing to lay pavers and are installing street furniture. Pedestrian access is being maintained at all times throughout construction. For safety, location of walkways will be determined by site management on a daily basis.
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.
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
Stage 1 of Bridges Hill Park Playground now open!
You can now explore its playground, put your fitness to the test at the newly installed stations, stroll along the landscaped pathways or simply enjoy the BBQ facilities.
What's next?
The next stage of the project involves construction of public amenities, additional BBQ areas, a yarning circle and more play spaces. The final stage involves car park improvements and improvements to pedestrian access. The project is expected to be finalised in 2020.
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.
Under Design:
Vincent Street Laneways
Council is currently undertaking a redesign to upgrade Vincent Street laneways. 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 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.
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:
08 Apr 2020
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.
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Rhiannon Stevens
Acting Economic Development Manager