The following University of Newcastle academics are available to comment on today's NSW Government announcement of an urban renewal project in Newcastle, which includes cutting the rail line.

URBAN RENEWAL

Mr Chris Tucker is a Lecturer in School of Architecture and the Built Environment. He has expertise in the areas of architectural design and urban design and can speak on urban renewal.

Mr Tucker believes there is a need for an urban development plan to encourage incremental growth and that funding is crucial to renew the Newcastle CBD, however the financial investment pledged by the NSW Government is only a fraction of that offered to Sydney projects.

Mr Tucker is a member of University's Centre for Interdisciplinary Built Environment Research.
Mr Tucker's profile: http://www.newcastle.edu.au//staff/research-profile/Chris_Tucker/

Mr Tucker is available for interview on 0408 278 587.

GEOGRAPHY

Professor Pauline McGuirk is a human geographer, specialising in urban political geography. She has expertise in the areas of urban geography, urban governance, urban political geography and urban theory.

She is the director of the University's Centre for Urban and Regional Studies.

Professor McGuirk believes a sustainable alternate public transport provision must be locked in and a democratic consultative process is critical for any redevelopment triggered by the announcement.

Professor McGuirk's profile: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/staff/research-profile/Pauline_McGuirk/

Professor McGuirk is available today only on 4921 5097.

ECONOMICS/BUSINESS

Professor Martin Watts is with the Newcastle Business School and is a member of the Centre of Full Employment and Equity.

Professor Watts believes there is a need for a comprehensive public transport plan and can speak on the implications for Hunter Street’s retail sector.

Professor Watts' profile: http://www.newcastle.edu.au//staff/research-profile/Martin_Watts/

Professor Watts is available on 0414 966 751.