• November 10, 2025
• By JEP Team
• Articles, News

A major industrial development has been approved at 21 Spark St Hexham, for RES Pty Ltd. As demand for industrial space around Newcastle continues to rise, this project will play a key role in supporting the region’s growing industrial sector, creating new opportunities for investment, employment, and long-term economic growth.

The approved development involves the construction of a 2,500m² industrial warehouse on the northern section of the site, featuring internal office space, a hardstand area for parking 16 passenger vehicles, electric vehicle charging and six heavy vehicles, as well as integrated stormwater and wastewater systems. The project also involves land works to improve approximately 13,200m² of the site, with a capping layer applied to the northeast portion to ensure its stability and suitability for development. The southern section of the site will be revegetated with native plant species, aligning with the adjacent C2 Environmental Conservation Zone.

RES Pty Ltd engaged us at JEP Environment & Planning to undertake the Preliminary Environmental Assessment and facilitate the pre-lodgement meeting with the City of Newcastle Council to assess the proposed project’s viability. Following this, we led the development approval process, managing environmental and engineering investigations and negotiating with both the EPA and the City of Newcastle Council. With the excellent legal support from Ross Fox of Fishburn Watson O’Brien Lawyers, following the filing of an appeal, the development application was approved on the 6th of September 2023 by City of Newcastle Council and the NSW Land and Environment Court.

Before building works began on the site, a Construction Certificate first had to be secured. This process required input from a wide range of professionals, including engineers, architects, biodiversity experts, and contaminated site specialists. Environmental factors also had to be considered due to the site’s proximity to Ironbark Creek and surrounding bushland, with supporting documentation prepared to address matters such as flood management, bushfire risk, contamination and hazard mitigation plans. Detailed design and approvals were also required from the City of Newcastle Council for the driveway crossing design and landscaping along the road frontage. A complex design for a substation and the provision of electrical services to the site was also required, including approval from AusGrid.

The Construction Certificate was formally issued on the 21st of July 2025 by a Registered Certifier and building works are now underway. 

Through strategic planning, collaboration and support throughout the pre-construction approval process, a significant industrial development is now being delivered in Hexham. The development will protect and enhance the local environment and will see these otherwise difficult-to-develop lands used to support the Newcastle region’s long-term economic growth and infrastructure needs. 

If you need support navigating the industrial development process, our team of experienced environmental and industrial planners are here to help. Reach us at (02) 8056 1849 or email us at admin@jacksonenvironment.com.au. More info at https://www.jacksonenvironment.com.au. 

For legal support, contact Ross Fox and Fishburn Watson O’Brien on (02) 9188 8531 or by email at info@fwolaw.com. More information at www.fwolaw.com