Planning for the future of Warners Bay

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Consultation has concluded

Lake Macquarie City Council endorsed new planning guidelines for Warners Bay at the 11 May 2015 Council meeting.

Council’s Manager Integrated Planning, Sharon Pope, said the planning documents – Warners Bay Town Centre Planning Framework, Warners Bay Town Centre Area Plan and Warners Bay Town Centre Streetscape Master Plan – show Council’s commitment to ensuring Warners Bay is a vibrant Lake-side destination. After two years of consultation, the plans provide a comprehensive framework for business owners, landowners and customers to contribute to the success of the town centre.

“The changes outlined include a sunny public plaza with surrounding shops, cafes and apartments, improved walking and bike access to the town centre and foreshore, setback and height controls for future buildings, and car parking,” Ms Pope said.

Major improvements for streets and public space are expected to happen as new developments occur and provide the catalyst to implement changes.”

Key proposals in the approved documents include:


  • public plaza next to the present Post Office, with height controls on surrounding buildings to protect sun access;
  • widening and improvements to the footpath and outdoor trading areas along The Esplanade;
  • improved cycling links from King Street to the town centre, Lake Macquarie Performing Arts Centre and the foreshore;
  • ways to manage parking provision and demand; and
  • controls for quality buildings ranging in height from three to eight storeys.


To view the documents adopted by Council, visit http://www.lakemac.com.au/page.aspx?pid=113&vid=10.

Lake Macquarie City Council endorsed new planning guidelines for Warners Bay at the 11 May 2015 Council meeting.

Council’s Manager Integrated Planning, Sharon Pope, said the planning documents – Warners Bay Town Centre Planning Framework, Warners Bay Town Centre Area Plan and Warners Bay Town Centre Streetscape Master Plan – show Council’s commitment to ensuring Warners Bay is a vibrant Lake-side destination. After two years of consultation, the plans provide a comprehensive framework for business owners, landowners and customers to contribute to the success of the town centre.

“The changes outlined include a sunny public plaza with surrounding shops, cafes and apartments, improved walking and bike access to the town centre and foreshore, setback and height controls for future buildings, and car parking,” Ms Pope said.

Major improvements for streets and public space are expected to happen as new developments occur and provide the catalyst to implement changes.”

Key proposals in the approved documents include:


  • public plaza next to the present Post Office, with height controls on surrounding buildings to protect sun access;
  • widening and improvements to the footpath and outdoor trading areas along The Esplanade;
  • improved cycling links from King Street to the town centre, Lake Macquarie Performing Arts Centre and the foreshore;
  • ways to manage parking provision and demand; and
  • controls for quality buildings ranging in height from three to eight storeys.


To view the documents adopted by Council, visit http://www.lakemac.com.au/page.aspx?pid=113&vid=10.

Consultation has concluded
  • Latest media reports

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    Read the recent Newcastle Herald stories here: http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2595778/adapt-or-die-simple-choice-for-bay-town/?cs=305 and here: http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2605047/warning-on-warners-bay-development/?cs=305

  • Out and about with the Warners Bay community

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    Throughout September, we held three drop-in days for residents and visitors to view the exhibition documents, talk to Council staff and hear staff give an overview of the key proposals and parts of the planning documents for the future of Warners Bay.

    More than 100 people discussed a number of topics including building heights, car parking, traffic, town centre character and streetscape improvements.

  • What is included in the three documents?

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    An overview of the three main documents is provided below:

    • The draft Warners Bay Town Centre Planning Framework provides a framework for investment in good quality buildings, street activation, business growth, as well as local community and cultural activities. The Framework includes recommendations regarding transport and a central car parking facility, town centre integration with the Foreshore areas, potential development sites, building height, building design and quality public footpaths.
    • The draft Warners Bay Town Centre Area Plan has been revised to reflect the principles set out in the Framework for development on private land and on Council commercial land. It contains an expanded character statement to guide development in the centre and detailed controls for building appearance.
    • The draft Warners Bay Town Centre Streetscape Master Plan will guide improvements to the public footpaths, spaces and outdoor trading areas, and in particular improvements to the footpath dining areas along The Esplanade.