The delivery of a significant infrastructure project for the Hunter Region is one step closer, with Daracon starting work on the first section of the Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange, worth $25.8 million.

 

Lake Macquarie City Council’s Director City Strategy, Tony Farrell, said the Interchange is crucial to the growth, connectivity and viability of major centres throughout the Hunter Region.

 

“The Interchange will span across Glendale and Cardiff in the heart of the largest employment zone in the Hunter Region. Once complete, the new access points will lead to the creation of thousands of jobs and further development of the area,” Mr Farrell said.

Over the past 10 years, Lake Macquarie City Council has led the path for securing funding from the State and Federal governments, finalised a design and coordinated the project’s development application.

 

The Interchange was identified as a high priority infrastructure project for the Hunter Region following the release of the NSW Government’s Lower Hunter Regional Strategy 2006-2031, which projected an additional 60,000 residents for Lake Macquarie City and 4000 dwellings and 6200 jobs in Glendale and Cardiff. With the redevelopment of Pasminco and Incitec sites, the Council anticipates this number to grow to 5000 dwellings and about 8000 jobs.

 

“Without the Interchange, future growth would force further pressure on existing road networks that are already congested,” Mr Farrell said.

 

“In addition, Glendale and Cardiff has the capacity for a further 200,000 sqm of retail and office space. Reduced traffic congestion, better public transport infrastructure and improved interconnectivity between major centres will make this developing area more viable and attractive to investors and developers.”

 

Construction of Section 1 began in June and incorporates extensions to Stockland Drive in Glendale to link with Main Road in Cardiff. It also includes improved intersections, pedestrian, cycling and bus facilities and upgrade of Main Road and Glendale Drive.