The future vision for Cockle Creek is now clearer, with a draft Area Plan for the regionally significant area now on public exhibition.

The draft Area Plan is the latest milestone in the realisation of Lake Macquarie’s North West Catalyst Area, helping facilitate the delivery of contemporary retail, light industrial opportunities, a business park, residential land and open space. 

Cockle Creek has recently become a centre of activity, firstly with the completion of the Munibung Road extension, complete with a high-performance fibre-optic data network providing internet connections up to 24 times faster than the national average, then with the start of construction of the new Costco Australia warehouse – the first store in NSW outside of greater Sydney.

The wider Lake Macquarie North West Catalyst Area provides roughly 450ha of brownfield development land, and has the potential to create more than 6,000 jobs and over 4,000 new homes over the next two decades.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Cr Kay Fraser said unlocking the potential of the North West Catalyst Area has been a key focus for Council over many years and the draft Area Plan is another step in the right direction.

“We know that the North West Catalyst Area has incredible potential to support new jobs and to attract people to live and work in Lake Macquarie City and the Hunter. I’m very pleased to see this revised draft Area Plan for Cockle Creek that marks the next step in realising the opportunities in this area,” Cr Fraser said.

“The draft Area Plan has made the vision for the site clearer. It’s very exciting to see land at Cockle Creek changing right in front of us. Already we’re seeing new housing development starting, construction has begun on new roads and the Costco store is quickly taking shape.”

Lake Macquarie City Council’s Manager Integrated Planning Wes Hain said it was important for the draft Area Plan to truly reflect the desired future character of the area.

“The draft Area Plan guides development to achieve our vision for the precinct as an iconic, unique and exciting city landmark that attracts new residents along with visitors, workers and customers from outside of the City,” Mr Hain said.

“The draft Area Plan will complement additional planning work being undertaken to provide a blueprint for future access, use and facilities on Munibung Hill – one of the most spectacular sites in Lake Macquarie. Combined with the draft Area Plan, the new developments underway, plus the range of projects to come, the future for the entire precinct is really exciting.”

To view the draft Cockle Creek Precinct Area Plan and provide feedback visit shape.lakemac.com.au/cockle-creek