Three major new housing projects in Newcastle West have taken a step forward after being granted state significant development status.
The developments could add about 1000 new dwellings if they proceed.
A parcel of land between Wood Street and Denison Street has been earmarked for three mixed-use buildings ranging in height from 12 storeys to 45 storeys.
The GWH development, which will contain a mix of commercial premises and 402 apartments, will form part of a broader precinct project.
More than 3 per cent of the apartments will be dedicated to affordable housing in perpetuity, while another 3.2 per cent will be affordable housing for 15 years.
The second project, the iconic Hoyts Royal building, in Hunter Street West, will be transformed into a 20-storey shop0top housing development.
The ADW Johnson development will include 71 apartments and hotel and motel accommodation for 106 rooms.
Five per cent of the dwellings will be allocated for affordable housing for 15 years.
The theatre's heritage-listed art deco facade will be preserved as part of the development.
The third project, which runs from 615 Hunter Street through to 426 King Street, will make way for three mixed-use, shop-top housing buildings of 27 storeys in height.
Developed by GWH and Eagle Property Group, the project will contain a mix of commercial premises and 435 residential apartments.
The development includes a proposal to amend the existing height control from 45 metres to 90 metres.
Two per cent of the apartments will be allocated as affordable housing in perpetuity.
The Hunter Street developments are among 17 projects that were declared as State Significant Developments following recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA).
If all are lodged and approved, the developments could create more than 3,500 homes including affordable housing across the state.
To date, on the HDA's recommendation, 390 proposals that could create more than 128,000 homes have been declared state significant.
Ten of these proposals have been approved, unlocking more than 2000 homes.
Planning for the Newcastle Quay development at Honeysuckle has also taken a step forward following the project's announcement last month.
The Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCDC) welcomed DOMA Group's lodgement of two Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) for the project this week.
An application for SEARs has been lodged for the precinct masterplan, marking the official start of the planning process for the $1.6-billion precinct.
A second request was lodged for Stage 1, which is a mixed-use area of the development including over 200 residential units plus casual dining, commercial and retail space adjacent to Newcastle harbour and Cottage Creek.
HCCDC is working closely with DOMA Group to progress plans for essential mines grouting works in the area.
Separate applications will be made for future stages. Newcastle Quay will be delivered in stages across 15 years.
