Major upgrades complete for Newcastle's century-old pump station
Hunter Water has completed major upgrades to the Newcastle West 1 Wastewater Pump Station next to Marketown Shopping Centre car park. The revitalised pump station, with its improved fixtures, now requires less future maintenance, improves amenity for surrounding residents, shoppers and businesses and supports future population growth in the area.
Following successful preparatory work carried out late last year, the upgrade work started on site in July this year. Improvements have included: removing the aging vent stack, installing an interim odour control unit (OCU) to minimise odours, delivering and commissioning a larger, permanent odour control unit, as well as restoring the concrete structures, new pipework and fencing.
Hunter Water Managing Director, Darren Cleary, said the upgrades will help protect the pump station and pipework from corrosion and improve community amenity.
"The pump station next to Marketown, Newcastle West 1, is one of the biggest wastewater pump stations in our area of operations. For that reason, these upgrades were essential to improve liveability for nearby residents and the general public around Newcastle, as well as enabling the ongoing operation and maintenance of a critical asset.
"Our team made every effort to reduce the impacts as much as possible and we appreciate the understanding and flexibility of Marketown management, nearby residents and tenants while the upgrades took place.
"It’s pleasing to have been able to complete the majority of the upgrade so that all temporary changes to the carpark and access to Marketown are back to normal in time for Christmas," Mr Cleary said.
With the major work for the upgrade now complete, minor work, such as checks and testing and ground restoration within the pump station, may continue into December and January 2024. This will be contained within the pump station boundary with minimal impact to traffic access and parking.
Constructed in 1909 and located next to Marketown Shopping Centre car park, the Newcastle West 1 WWPS is one of Hunter Water's oldest WWPSs. It services customers in the western parts of the Newcastle CBD and the suburbs of Adamstown, Broadmeadow, Hamilton, Islington, Mayfield, New Lambton, Tighes Hill and Wickham.
The upgrade is part of our extensive works program to keep our infrastructure in good shape so we can continue to deliver safe, reliable and efficient services to our customers. To learn more, visit our website.