Hamilton residents have applauded Newcastle City Council’s transformation of James Street Plaza, now complete after four months of construction.
The upgrade on Beaumont Street commenced in April 2021 and has delivered a multi-use space for the community, which incorporates street furniture, artwork and renewed pavers and landscaping.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the transformation of the space was aimed to attract more visitors, families and shoppers.
“In response to community feedback we have delivered a safer, more appealing place for people to spend time,” Cr Nelmes said.
The Lord Mayor said the city hoped to “activate the space with music, markets and food” once COVID-19 restrictions lifted.
Hamilton local Saul Sullivan has applauded the changes, saying they’re a well-overdue addition to the suburb.
“[James Street Plaza] has always been a bit of a questionable area, so it’s great that it’s undergone a facelift so the community can use it to its full potential.”
In April, the council cited an under-utilisation of the plaza and concerns over public safety as reasoning behind the upgrade.
It said that “the drivers included anti-social and criminal behaviour related to the Telstra phone box and public toilets and the Plaza’s infrastructure which requires renewal”.
A new water bubbler facility for both humans and canines is now available in the space. 
The plaza’s public toilet has undergone significant renovation.
A lighting installation will also be part of the attraction. It’s an addition that Sullivan said would help residents feel safer.
“I think lighting was always an issue at James Street [Plaza]. It’s a matter of safety for residents. For it to be upgraded and the whole space used to host market stalls and the likes, that’s an added bonus,” he said.
In June, City of Newcastle offered residents the opportunity to vote on their favourite lighting installations from three designs provided by the University of Newcastle’s Future Art Science & Technology Lab (FASTLab).
Residents opted for the “Microcosmic Mosaic” concept, which has been developed into a full-length animation and will be launched to light up the space at night once COVID-19 restrictions ease.
Hamilton’s unique character and heritage is celebrated in artworks in the renewed plaza, informed by the Newcastle Museum and in collaboration with local historian Ruth Cotton, author of Hidden Hamilton.
Councillor Carol Duncan said that the revitalisation of the plaza delivered an attractive space for the Hamilton community to meet.
“You can really see the community’s ideas and feedback brought to life, from the unique historical elements to new furniture and gardens,” Cr Duncan said.
“I love the special details like the built-in drinking bowl for our canine companions in the water fountain and I can’t wait to see the lighting display once it’s launched in the coming months.
“The Plaza will be a vibrant, safe and inclusive space for our community during the day and at night.”
Maia O’Connor
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