The vision for Newcastle is to be a smart, liveable and sustainable city.
Newcastle is undergoing long-term transition from a primarily industrial base to diversified economic foundations. It is currently the focus of a NSW Government revitalisation agenda and is experiencing major urban renewal including light rail, growth in city residential population, and the development of a University City campus. Within this framework of revitalisation, renewal, and renewed investment, the smart city initiative has come into focus as a key contributor to the future vision of Newcastle.
A key strand of the urban revitalisation narrative is that the city is an attractive place to live, work, invest and visit. The smart city will provide opportunity for entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive in the digital century, underpin diversification of the local economy, and drive inward investment and outward commercialisation of local and regional innovation.
With a recent nearly $18 million investment in ‘Smart City’ infrastructure, Newcastle is experiencing unprecedented growth.
Backed by the New South Wales State Government, and core partners Newcastle City Council, University of Newcastle (UoN), Newcastle NOW, and Hunter DiGiT, The Hunter Innovation Project (HIP) will see Newcastle enjoy smart and digitally connected public and urban infrastructure, which will work towards developing a thriving ecosystem to drive innovation and creativity.
It will also provide opportunity for entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive in the digital century, underpin diversification of the local economy, and drive inward investment and outward commercialisation of local and regional innovation.
HIP has attracted a wide range of committed city and regional partners from sectors, including educational institutions, industry groups, business, government departments, research organisations, peak associations and community groups.
