World s Best

World’s BestThe Property Council of Australia will take the bold step next month of embarking on an international fact-finding mission ahead of the next phase of community consultation on revitalization of the city centre. NSW Regional Director, Andrew Fletcher, will lead a delegation of local industry experts in planning, architecture, engineering and construction. Their mission is to learn how world leaders in urban design have transformed post-industrial land to create more liveable and globally competitive cities. “Experiencing world’s best practice first hand – touching it, feeling it and meeting with the people who did it – will provide inspiration and motivation.” “In Dallas, we’ll learn how the city became home to the world’s largest light rail network after beginning with just 6km of tracks in 1996” “We’ll also be looking at how Chicago, New York and Atlanta used old, heavy rail corridors to create amazing linear parks, encourage investment and stimulate demand” “And on each project, central importance has been given to learning from city officials about the best methods for financing, implementation and community engagement.” Mr. Fletcher said that detailed plans and concepts would soon be tested with Novocastrians for an urban transformation program to be staged over the next 20-30 years. “The vision we support is to open the city back up to its waterfront, integrate Newcastle’s beautiful heritage buildings and connect it all with an integrated transport network based on a modern light rail system.” “It makes the next few months a crucial moment in time – a generational opportunity to get the design right and put the city on a pathway to smart growth for decades to follow” “The decisions we make over the coming months will determine if Newcastle can deliver on the promise of being a world-class regional capital city” “That’s why industry and civic leaders need to make the investment now – to free the shackles and have their eyes opened to the possibilities of the future – or risk Newcastle losing a golden opportunity.” Media contact: Andrew Fletcher | M 0407 410 017 | E [email protected]