The first important step in an expected 25-year, $1.5 billion development got underway last week, with the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the start of work at Huntlee.
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In what will be the Hunter’s first new town in more than 50 years, Huntlee is being developed near Branxton by Perth’s LWP Property Group.
On completion it will comprise four neighbourhood villages totalling 7500 houses all surrounding a vibrant 200-hectare town centre.
A ceremony was held last Tuesday, with Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent and Singleton Mayor John Martin unveiling a plaque to be placed in the town’s centre as part of a ‘Milestone Walk’.
The development shares the borders of both Cessnock and Singleton local government area; sits at the start of the Hunter Expressway and has taken eight years to become a reality.
“The good news is that the protracted approval period has enabled us to spend a great deal of time and effort thoroughly master-planning Huntlee,” LWP managing director Danny Murphy said.
“Exhaustive work has already been undertaken to ensure Huntlee is a fully considered community with a focus on education, employment and recreation opportunities for its residents.
“Huntlee represents a total investment of $1.5 billion and will generate 3000 permanent jobs and many more during the construction phase.
“Today marks the beginning of a long and very bright future for Huntlee and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who’s supported us on this journey to deliver an outstanding new town in the heart of the Hunter Valley.”
The stage one works, which commenced this month, include subdivision of the first residential village (Katherine’s Landing) to accommodate up to 1700 dwellings on 1391 lots plus an extensive range of community facilities.
Stage one also includes development of the first 60 hectares in the mixed-use town centre and up to 120 large lot residential sites.
“We are already working on the first stage of the town centre which will include a major supermarket and other commercial and speciality retail premises,” Mr. Murphy said.
“Over time, the 200-hectare mixed-use town centre will cater for a range of retail, commercial, secondary education uses, as well as up to 1700 dwellings.”
Cr. Pynsent said that Huntlee is an exciting development for the area.
“It’s fantastic for our local government area, particularly due to the variety of housing that will be available to residents,” he said.
“The concept of a fully planned town is something the greater Hunter has never experienced.
“Also, the Hunter Expressway will certainly give the LGA a great opportunity in housing by providing closer links to the Hunter Valley and Newcastle.”
