Reinventing The Regional CBD

Diverse economies, increasing demand for professional services and lifestyle are influencing growth across Australian regional CBDs.  Whilst the pandemic may have given people consideration towards alternate lifestyles and affordable housing supported by the ability to predominately work from home, regional centres are evolving into strategic centres of economic opportunity and increasingly attractive investment centres for a new wave of business. 

In NSW alone the Government has budgeted a $1billion commitment to regional areas over the next 3-year period and is anticipated to trigger population growth at the expense of our capital cities. 

With considered development pipelines the demand for services in regional locations is seeing significant growth.  This is pattern is shifting both population numbers, demographics and age structures with younger generations identifying with professional career opportunity, meaningful work and lifestyle choices. 

The strengthening of local economies is equally supported by local government strategic investment creating centres of economic diversity – historically, developed or informed by a core industry, regional CBDs are reinventing their business and cultural profiles.  Smart CBDs are investing in educational hubs and business centres of excellence, supported by infrastructure connections back to CBD capitals. 

Newcastle is a CBD undergoing transformation and creating a rich cultural destination supportive of lifestyle and recreational choice anchored on future focused economic diversity.

Historically recognised for mining, steel refinery and brick works, Newcastle is emerging as recognised smart city, and a hub for investment in Renewable Energy (REZ) an industry vital to ensuring the future reliability and affordability of electricity.  

A recently completed workplace designed by Studio P3, aligns with industry investment establishing a regional HQ in Newcastle CBD.  Uniquely positioned within a newly constructed laminated timber building, the new workplace aligns with the organisation’s strategic growth in the region and towards renewable energy. The new workplace of approximately 4,000sqm reinforces investment in the region, supporting an assigned population over 300 employees. The environment incorporates contemporary work practices, call centre, health and wellbeing amenity engaging and supporting its local workforce and as a strategic business destination for its Sydney team, industry partners and collaborators.