Great downtowns are built upon the dreams of the builders and the support of their people.

The vision of the downtown development project incorporates the following concepts:

  • Promote historical and cultural character
  • Reconnect to a continuous waterfront
  • Develop high-quality, human-centred places
  • Prioritize active mobility
  • Support a vibrant downtown economy
  • Promote active and efficient administration
See the Master Plan

Historic Chatham District

The master plan for this historic downtown area is to revitalize existing infrastructure to enhance the pedestrian and retail environment. These upgrades would include a designated bike route, pedestrian links or greenway trails, widened sidewalks, additional street-side seating, shade, patio space, bike racks, trash receptacles, and other amenities. There is also a goal to increase street connectivity for all forms of transportation (vehicles, bikes, pedestrians) and to modify traffic flow to take better advantage of the downtown’s assets. These goals are to be achieved through various short-, medium- and long-term development initiatives.

Short-Term Projects:

  • Station Wharf upgrades
  • Entry plaza
  • Elm Park upgrades

Medium-Term Projects:

  • Waterfront green
  • Cunard street improvements
  • Parking district creation
  • Riverfront park gateway

Long-Term Projects:

  • Water street improvements
  • Mall renovation
  • Evolutionary building projects

Downtown Newcastle District

The strategic plan for the Newcastle downtown district includes modifying the street network in order to improve the flow of transportation into and through the area. Initiatives are geared towards creating more pedestrian amenities, capitalizing on the waterfront, and improving existing infrastructure in order to make better use of current spaces.

Short-Term Projects:

  • Connection between existing parking and future mixed-use development
  • Pleasant street upgrades
  • Parking management

Medium-Term Projects:

  • Ritchie wharf upgrades
  • Queen Elizabeth square improvements
  • Newcastle boulevard gateway
  • The Miramichi River gateway project

Long-Term Projects:

  • Mixed-use village creation
  • Riverfront greenway
  • Upgraded hotel
  • Evolutionary building projects