The Station is under new management and changes are underway to bring more events, new offerings and opportunities to the precinct for the community to enjoy.

The Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) is managing the activation of The Station over the next 12 months and is actively looking for new retail offerings and events to bring the site to life.

HCCDC Acting Chief Executive, Valentina Misevska said no time was being wasted in meeting with local event managers and businesses to spread the word and lock in opportunities.

“We are passionate about The Station becoming an engaging space that truly celebrates the site and brings people together,” Valentina said.

“Already, The Station hosts weekly Friday Bar Eats n Beats events, and free Saturday morning workouts with The Forum StationFIT on the platform.”

In addition to expanding the events program at The Station, HCCDC is also focused on finding dynamic retail offerings to fill the internal ground floor spaces.

“Our aim is to attract businesses that bring something special; The Station is a one-of-a-kind offering that exists for a limited time before the site’s final use is established and other exciting opportunities are presented,” Valentina said.

“Although the timeframe isn’t long-term, we see such a great chance to be a part of a unique activation project, and so far, the interest is encouraging.”

Supporting the plans to activate The Station, HCCDC is also set to undertake construction works to link Market Street Lawn and The Station with a temporary grassed area and footpaths.

“We are bringing forward some of our landscaping construction plans to create better connectivity and accessibility,” Valentina said.

“Over coming weeks, we will transform the area at the end of The Station’s platforms by adding fill, turf and footpaths to enhance the site and its surroundings.

“Long-term landscaping designs that consider the whole station precinct, including the former bus layover area, are currently underway and are expected to commence from 2020.”

Plans are also progressing to remove non-essential perimeter fencing along Wharf Road and to lower other site fencing, which will better promote the location as an accessible destination nestled between city and harbour.

IMAGE | HCCDC Acting Chief Executive, Valentina Misevska at The Station.