Connecting key activity precincts and launching urban renewal opportunities.
The Newcastle Light Rail project was a landmark component of the $650 million Newcastle Urban Transformation and Transport Program, delivered to revitalise the city centre and improve transport connectivity.
Completed in late 2018, the 2.7 km light rail connected Newcastle Interchange with Pacific Park, near Newcastle Beach. The project delivered a new stabling and maintenance facility at the western end of the corridor.
The project team managed the comprehensive architectural re-design, civil and structural construction, trackwork and building services such as mechanical and hydraulic systems. The project also integrated complex high and low-voltage electrical networks, traction power and advanced communication systems, including passenger information, signalling, and CCTV.
A focus on workforce diversity, local business participation and Indigenous engagement helped minimise disruption while creating positive outcomes for the local community and economy.
The Newcastle Light Rail transformed transport and public spaces in the city centre, improving safety, accessibility, and connectivity.
It also laid the foundation for future extensions to better link residential areas with employment precincts and key services, while strengthening travel infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.
Scope
The project team delivered end-to-end design and construction of the 2.7 km Newcastle Light Rail, which included:
- Development of a new stabling and maintenance facility near Stewart Avenue and Station Street.
- Construction of six modern rail stops, supported by architectural, civil, structural, trackwork, hydraulic and mechanical works.
- Supply, installation, testing, commissioning, and network integration of high and low-voltage electrical systems, traction power, substations, and lighting.
- Installation and integration of advanced communication systems, passenger information, signalling, movement controls, CCTV, operations control centre fit-out, and electronic ticketing system integration.
1,200
Up to 1,200 people per hour capacity.
21%
Innovative material reduction and reuse strategies cut greenhouse gases by 21%.
6
Construction of six modern rail stops.
157t
Significant resource savings were achieved by reducing the use of 157 tonnes of steel and aluminium.
500
Over 500 trees were replanted in local rehabilitation areas.
Social impact
The light rail delivered meaningful social and environmental benefits, transforming the city’s landscape and setting new benchmarks in:
- Urban transformation: Opening of the former rail corridor, creating new green spaces and opportunities for future redevelopment.
- Renewal: Newcastle Station repurposed into a vibrant venue for local businesses and community events, preserving its historic character while giving it new life.
- Sustainable leadership: As Australia’s first end-to-end catenary-free light rail, the system achieved significant resource savings, reducing the use of 157 tonnes of steel and aluminium and over 700m³ of concrete.
- Awarded an ‘Excellent’ Design rating by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA).
- Water conservation: A purpose-built vehicle washdown system was introduced, using only 15% of the water required by conventional systems.
- Environmental outcomes: Innovative material reduction and reuse strategies cut greenhouse gases by 21%, main site compound sourced 25% of its electricity from renewable energy and over 500 trees were replanted in local rehabilitation areas.
This project was delivered by the Downer Transport Projects business which operated from December 2014 – June 2023 as part of Downer EDI Works Pty Ltd. In June 2023, DT Infrastructure Pty Ltd acquired the assets of the Downer Transport Projects business, including the transfer of approximately 1,200 employees, intellectual property rights, plant and equipment and other assets, and the novation of a number of projects which were ongoing at the time of the acquisition.