Pearson Street Mall has reopened to the public following a $2.8 million transformation.

An illuminated and interactive furniture experience designed by local creative and education company, Codewise, is one of the Charlestown CREATE creative treatments that adds to the visitor experience of the revamped mall. The interactive furniture, blending gamification with digital technologies, aims to empower and excite children about digital technologies and innovation.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Cr Fraser said the new public art installations and the refurbishment works will help to create a more vibrant public space in the heart of Charlestown.

“The revitalisation works have delivered safer, pedestrian-friendly access through the mall, new landscaping, new mature trees and exciting smart technology used for lighting and street furniture,” Cr Fraser said.

“The mall is at the heart of Charlestown and is a gateway to our City’s largest retail precinct.

“It presents a range of opportunities for revitalising local business and for our community to come together around events, markets, live music and food trucks. I’m really excited by its potential to become a new hub for Charlestown and surrounding communities.”

The Charlestown CREATE design features of the Pearson Street Mall upgrade bring digital technology, soundscapes, projections and creative lighting to engage visitors to the mall.

Charlestown CREATE is proudly funded by the NSW Government through the Stronger Country Communities Fund and Lake Macquarie City Council.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund is designed to make regional communities even better places to live.

“The upgrade to Pearson Street Mall will encourage more activity, offer more spaces for community members to connect and for visitors to keep returning,” Mr Martin said.