The five-storey building on the corner of Hunter Street and Stewart Avenue is currently under construction. The project has been designed in partnership with CKDS Architecture and PTW and subject to a Design Excellence process that includes the NSW Government Architects.

Newcastle City Council plans to shift administration and 400 staff to the new premises in 2019.

CKDS Director Stuart Campbell said the fully commercial building offers approximately 10,000sqm of office space and large meeting areas. Specific design features include a five level entry atrium space, rooftop courtyard, high spec glazing and façade systems.

“This was a fantastic process that ensured a high degree of rigour through ongoing design reviews from design to construction documentation,” said Stuart.

“CKDS is incredibly proud to be playing such an important role in helping to create quality urban spaces for our city’s future.”

CKDS Architecture also designed the Gateway I project on the corner of Parry St and Stewart Ave. The award winning project helped to ignite the resurgence in the west end and has served as a catalyst for the city’s renewal.

Chair of Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Central Coast Chapter, Caine King, believes the level of interest from local and Sydney-based investors, not necessarily overseas buyers, has not only been surprising but has directly influenced property sales during the past 12 months.

“People are now planning for their retirement years early and those living and working in the region, who recognise the great location and convenience it offers, don’t want to miss out,”

Mr King said. Mr King, who is also Director of CKDS Architecture, is a key speaker at the Future Vision for Development on the Central Coast seminar at Mingara on 20 July. ADW Johnson town planner and Deputy Chairperson of UDIA Central Coast chapter, Chris Smith, will also be presenting.

It’s the second year the seminar has been organised by Aubrey Brown Lawyers to provide a local forum on current and future development, with last year’s event attracting 140 people.

Mr King says the current level of building activity across the region represents the realisation of projects that have been years in the planning and approval phase.

“Under the Central Coast Regional Plan there’s a 20-year blueprint for our future. The challenge is for designers, developers and council to work out how best they will respond to achieve sustainable urban solutions,” Mr King said.“With more and more significant developments underway, it’s important to understand the right type of buildings and supportive facilities that are needed,’ Mr King said.

The seminar from 9.30am – 1.30pm at Mingara Recreational Club will also address growth hotspots including Gosford, Terrigal, Tuggerah, Warnervale and Toukley.

“It’s a great opportunity to keep people informed and in touch about how our region is developing now and beyond,” Mr King said.

Newcastle City Council last night voted unanimously in favour of a two storey addition to the historic premises located at 176 Hunter Street. Constructed in 1907 the building, known as The Centre, was originally used as a piano warehouse.

The project marks the first milestone for developer Iris Capital’s, East End mixed-used site that stretches four city blocks from Newcomen Street to Perkins street, including the historic former David Jones building.

CKDS Architecture’s director, Stuart Campbell, said the project is significant as the building was designed by Frederick Menkins, one of the most prominent and prolific architects responsible for some of Newcastle’s most important structures.

“We’ve made sure the proposed works respond to the historic proportions and features of the existing building to improve the streetscape character of the mall,” Mr Campbell said.

“It is a fully integrated mixed-use design that includes retail, café bar, commercial suites and two high-end residential units.”

Under Senior Associate Joel Chamberlain’s guidance, CKDS worked closely with Iris Capital to prepare a thorough and considered development application that ensures the ongoing viability and conservation of the heritage building.

Since it was established in 2007, CKDS Architecture has worked on major developments including the award winning Gateway Parry Development project, Eclipse Apartments and Verve Residences.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for the renewal of Newcastle and we’re looking forward to being part of this important development,” Mr Campbell said.

CKDS Architecture is a leading architectural practice specialising in innovative and sustainable design to create places of excellence in modern urban environments. Based in Newcastle and the Central Coast, the practice has worked on some of the region’s most diverse commercial, residential and industrial designs in collaboration with developers, other architects and builders.

Director of CKDS Architecture Caine King will be co-hosting the event, in his newly appointed role as Chair of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Central Coast Chapter.

Mr King strongly believes well planned and sustainable development is vital to creating long term social and economic benefits for regional communities.

‘With the rapid progress of construction on the Central Coast, our region understands the importance of building the right type of developments and facilities needed for modern urban environments,’ Mr King said.

‘From experience, we now know sustainable urban solutions require stakeholder commitment and a collaborative approach to ensure social and economic needs are met now and into the future.’

Chief Planner for the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, Gary White will outline the government’s vision for regions during his opening keynote speech.  Delegates will also hear from industry experts covering issues and challenges across housing affordability, and the regional economic outlook.

The forum will also feature a panel discussion centred on ‘Unlocking the Regions’, with the event culminating in a networking dinner at Crowne Plaza Terrigal.

‘Industry forums such as this summit can help inform planning visions, decisions and processes to help build our future,’ Mr King said.