Newcastle's $510m light rail project taking shape

Written by Sophia Rostron | Apr 5, 2016 2:00:00 PM

NSW Transport has released new details about the much-anticipated $510m Newcastle Light Rail project, recently described as the "anchor for new development in Newcastle's CBD" by tender bidders. Find out how your plant hire company can capitalise on the opportunity.

NSW Government releases further details of Newcastle's new light rail

NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance, in Newcastle on Tuesday, said the new system would have the capacity to carry more than 1,200 people an hour, with six light rail stops including Honeysuckle, Civic, and Crown and Market Streets. The fleet will include five light rail vehicles — four in operation and one spare. Mr Constance also confirmed the exclusion of a light rail loop down Hunter Street Mall, proposed by Newcastle's Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, due to the high cost. Check out the newly released fly over video:

Newcastle coordinator-general appointed

Mr Constance also announced the appointment of a Newcastle coordinator-general to oversee the smooth running and implementation of the light rail system.

Former Roads and Maritime Service regional manager and Novocastrian, Anna Zycki had been appointed as the Newcastle coordinator-general, tasked to oversee the smooth running and implementation of the light rail system, and bring all stakeholders together.

Newcastle Light Rail Tender for Design & Construct

Transport for NSW called on qualified organisations in January 2016 to register interest in the design and construction for the light rail service from Wickham to Pacific Park. The expressions of interest period closed on February 12 in which the government said they would prepare a shortlist of expressions who will be invited to tender. Transport forNSW said the contract is expected to be awarded in mid-2016, with work expected to start later this year.

It said the "right people" were needed to deliver the project on time, on budget, and with minimal disruption to the community.

Images: Transport for NSW - Newcastle Light Rail route map

In December 2014, Laing O'Rourke was awarded a $73 million design and build contract for the Wickham Interchange which will deliver a commuter hub linking customers with trains, buses, taxis and the new light rail. The government’s parliamentary secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald, said work was “underway” on the construction of the Wickham Interchange, and that it was expected to finished “sometime in 2017”.

The Newcastle Light Rail is just one, albeit huge, project set to transform Newcastle's city centre. If you're looking for opportunities in the West, Civic or East precinct of the Newcastle Urban Transformation Program, it's important to know how to appeal to decision makers. Catch up on all the tips and tricks to submit a successful tender below!

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