Regional reboot: The 'huge changes' that are transforming Newcastle into an emerging beacon of cool

Christopher Saunders is still smiling about a recent remark made by a 15-year-old Novocastrian, on the subject of the University of Newcastle’s new city campus.

“If you grow up in a regional area you tend to look to bigger cities,” Saunders, the general manager of Renew Newcastle, says.

“But I heard this boy say, ‘Wow, I can’t wait to go there’, and that speaks to the notion of how Newcastle has become a great place for young people.”

Community reboot

The $95 million landmark education precinct is still under development and is indicative of the kind of progress reshaping the city.

Dalton Partners agent Anthony Merlo, who was born and bred in Newcastle, says he has seen ‘huge changes’ in the city in the 28 years he’s been selling real estate. New high-rise development, a revitalised harbour foreshore and cosmopolitan wining and dining options have all contributed to the city’s appeal.

The Basement Bar is one of Newcastle’s ambient nooks, with tapas and cocktails on offer. Photo: Max Mason-Hubers

Saunders moved from Sydney to Newcastle in 2011 with his wife, playwright Vanessa Jones, and his young son. The creative couple loved the fact they could live in “a cool, inner-city place” yet their son could still ride his bike to school.

“It’s a very grounding and appealing drawcard to have that connection with your community and not feel like a guest in your own suburb,”he says. “There’s an extraordinary sense of community here that we’ve never experienced in Sydney.”

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Christopher Saunders says there’s ‘an extraordinary sense of community’ in Newcastle. Photo: Destination NSW

The Renew initiative is also about community connection. Established 10 years ago to connect creative people with vacant city spaces, Renew has created a series of flow-on effects, giving significant economic and social value back to the community that has attracted business and residential interest in the city.

“It’s allowed people to come out of their sheds and spare rooms and share their talent with the community,” Saunders says. “It’s created massive opportunities to engage with the city. Each place has its own identity and culture, and what Renew has enabled is the unleashing of that cultural narrative.”

First-rate, naturally

The city’s natural attractions are also drawing buyers. Photo: Destination NSW

Alongside the invigorated city centre, Newcastle offers a host of natural attractions.

“We’ve got amazing beaches that are really easy to get to, access to wilderness with Barrington Tops one hour up the road, Glenrock rainforest; we’re incredibly fortunate to have those thingsat our doorstep,” Saunders says.

“Newcastle has all the benefits of a major city with a first-rate health system, and the schools are terrific.”

Top home in the area

6 Lawson Street, Hamilton. Photo: Supplied

This renovated Victorian terrace boasts multiple living spaces, a galley kitchen and a fully self-contained granny flat beyond a central courtyard. 

Original features include polished floorboards, ornament rails and two open fireplaces.

A cedar staircase leads to three upper-level bedrooms plus a study nook and family bathroom. 

The residence boasts two open fireplaces. Photo: Supplied

It’s a three-minute walk to Beaumont Street’s eateries.

Dalton Partners have given it a price guide of $1.35 million.