SJB, in collaboration with DOMA Group, has unveiled Newcastle Quay, a landmark waterfront precinct that sets a bold new direction for Newcastle’s harbour edge and signals the next chapter in the city’s evolution.

As masterplan and executive architect, SJB worked closely with DOMA Group to establish a clear urban framework for the foreshore and guide its long-term transformation.

“Our vision is to create a precinct that not only delivers high-quality commercial, residential, and cultural spaces, but also defines Newcastle’s waterfront for generations to come," Jure Domazet, DOMA Group Managing Director says.

The precinct will deliver more than 1,000 homes, over 28,000m² of commercial space, 6,000sqm of retail, and a 180-room hotel featuring a 500-seat conference and exhibition centre.

Rather than a standalone development, Newcastle Quay has been conceived as a new mixed-use neighbourhood that extends the city to the harbour and prioritises public life at every scale.

Building concepts have been developed in collaboration with Stewart Architecture, Architecture AND and Curious Practice, alongside landscape design by Turf Design Studio and planning by SJB Planning.

At the core of the project is a strong focus on connectivity and public life. A fine-grain network of streets, laneways and public spaces reconnects the site to the city while opening the waterfront for everyday use.

Movement throughout the precinct is designed to feel continuous and intuitive, repositioning the harbour not as the city’s edge, but as a central civic destination.

More than 11,000sqm of public open space is distributed across the precinct, creating a sequence of plazas, green spaces and waterfront areas designed to support both everyday activity and large-scale events.

Key destinations, including Honeysuckle Green and the Tree of Knowledge Park, anchor the northern edge of the development and strengthen public activation along the harbour.

Emily Wombwell, Partner at SJB, says the project represents a rare opportunity to shape the future of Newcastle.

“City-making projects like this are rare opportunities, and their success depends on genuine collaboration, shared ambition and a deep understanding of place. I’m incredibly proud of the team behind it.

“Having grown up in Newcastle, it’s especially meaningful to help shape such an important part of the city, connecting the waterfront to the interchange and creating a place that tells you, unmistakably, you’ve arrived in Newcastle.”

The built form has been carefully composed to reinforce this vision. Mid-rise street edges establish a consistent urban scale, while slender towers are strategically positioned to preserve sunlight, views and openness. The emphasis is placed on how the buildings frame streets, parks and the waterfront, creating a high-quality public realm throughout the precinct.

SJB’s work on Newcastle Quay continues its longstanding collaboration with DOMA Group, contributing to a cohesive and evolving urban edge along the foreshore while supporting a broader vision for Newcastle as a globally recognised waterfront city.

As the final stage in the transformation of Newcastle’s foreshore, Newcastle Quay positions the waterfront at the centre of the city’s future, defined by public life, connection and an enduring sense of place.

“This is exactly the kind of city-shaping project the Minns Labor Government wants to see more of. Delivering new homes, jobs, public spaces and economic activity in the heart of Newcastle," says
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully.

“We know NSW needs more homes and that means unlocking well-located land close to transport, jobs, and entertainment, while creating vibrant communities people want to live in.

“Honeysuckle HQ will help deliver around 1,000 new homes while continuing to transform Newcastle’s harbour into a thriving destination for residents, workers and visitors.”

Renders: Newcastle Quay / supplied

Clémence Carayol

Let’s connect!