Newcastle plans six-storey affordable housing on narrow CBD site

A scoping report submitted to the state government has detailed plans for a six-storey affordable housing development in the Newcastle CBD. Located at 280 Hunter Street, the project will occupy an irregular 4,125-square-metre lot known as ‘Rail Bridge Row’. The site’s narrow shape, which reaches widths of only 10 metres in some areas, is a result of its history as a former heavy rail line.

The proposed mixed-use development will include 48 affordable housing units: 20 single-bedroom, 24 two-bedroom, and four three-bedroom apartments. Additionally, the project features three commercial units, including nearly 400 square metres of ground-floor retail space.

The building is expected to reach a height of approximately 22 metres, necessitating an exemption from the current 14-metre zoned maximum. While the development provides 37 car parks—four fewer than required by state housing planning laws—proponents argue the shortfall is justified by the site’s proximity to light rail, walking paths, and high walkability.