Stockton residents welcome $5 million makeover

Residents have given the Stockton Local Center’s newly-unveiled $5 million makeover the “thumbs up”.

The long-awaited facelift, delivered by City of Newcastle (CN), provides fresh footpaths, increased shade and improved pedestrian and cyclist safety… just in time for the school holidays.

One local thrilled to see the finished product was Creative Property president Lucas Gresham.

“The Stockton Local Center upgrade will entice more businesses to the area,” he said.

“And, from a community’s perspective, it’ll encourage people to shop local which, in turn, provides a big economic boost.”

The latest enhancements are one of 26 projects valued at more than $17 million delivered in Stockton during the past five years, including coastal protection works and the hugely-popular Active Hub.

Neighboring Crown Street will also benefit from further improvements, to be completed by the end of the month.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said upgrading Mitchell Street continued City of Newcastle’s significant investment in the coastal suburb.

“I’m pleased to see the finished work on this important development,” she stated.

“It will create a safer and more vibrant public space for the Stockton community to enjoy.

“With the school holidays now underground, this refreshed space encourages residents to support local Stockton businesses, providing improved spaces to shop, dine and meet with friends.

“The Stockton Local Center upgrade also includes a significant improvement to the natural environment with the number of trees in the area being increased from three to 40, which is a major boost to the shade canopy along the main street.

“In a nod to Stockton’s character and heritage, sandstone from existing kerbs has been retained and reused to frame garden beds and raingardens at three key intersections along Mitchell Street, while interpretive signage – developed in collaboration with the Stockton Historical Society – will be installed along the street as well.

“I am looking forward to celebrating the conclusion of works with the community on Sunday 30 October at our fun, family-friendly event celebrating all things Stockton and featuring lucky door raffles, face painting and much more.”

The Stockton project was completed under City of Newcastle’s Local Centers program, which is delivering upgrades to suburban centers across the local government area.

Previous endeavors have included Beresford Avenue, Beresfield; Young Street, Carrington; James Street Plaza, Hamilton; Llewellyn Street, Merewether; Joslin Street, Kotara; and Sandgate Road, Shortland while construction is underway at Orchardtown Road, New Lambton.

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