2022 National Commendation for Urban Design

Jury citation

The Newcastle East End project is an exemplar of regional urban revitalization that challenges familiar typologies to create diversity of built form and experience, skilfully retaining and re-interpreting existing buildings and offering new movement systems for the benefit of all.

Such shifts in regional planning require considerable time and dedication by authorities, planners and landowners alongside a team of skilled designers working harmoniously together with a shared vision for now and the future.

Newcastle East End achieves more than a typological shift; it activates the street, creates new laneways that are able to expand as adjacent areas are developed, and allows for an increased densification of mixed programs while improving amenity. The team must be commended for creating a high- quality urban model that has the capacity to enrich many other regional places.

— Newcastle East End, Stage 1 was reviewed by Sam Spurr in Architecture Australia January/February 2022 . Read the review here.

Project credits

Architect SJB in collaboration with Durbach Block Jaggers, Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and Aspect Studios; Project team Jonathan Knapp, Adam Haddow, Frankie Layson, Emily Wombwell, Joanne McGuinness, Marcus Lewin, Darryl Santos, Benjamin Belson, Jian Lee, Andrew Ness, Joel Sia, Christiane Whiteley; Builder Richard Crookes Constructions; Landscape architect, urban designer Aspect Studios; Retail consultant Bonnefin Property; Heritage consultant City Plan Services; Geotechnical engineer Douglas Partners; Fire engineer GHD, Olsson Fire and Risk; Traffic engineer GTA Consultants; Waste consultant Jacobs; Structural and civil consultant Northrop Consulting Engineers; Cultural heritage consultant Umwelt; 3D model maker Little Models; Documentation Atlas Industries; Acoustic engineer Acoustic Logic

Newcastle East End is located in Newcastle, New South Wales on the land of the Awabakal people.