Setting the agenda for summer, The Corner brings together independent Newcastle food producers and boutique brands with the artists and musicians who are shaping the creative and cultural landscape of the city. Located at the intersection of Pearson and Ridley Street in Charlestown, the new precinct is the result of a $10 million investment from owners The GPT Group. 

The Corner will feature destination eateries, a revolving roster of local talent and an indoor-outdoor alfresco feel. Its vibe? All-day dining, casual communal eats, sunny sociable atmosphere and food that’s big on flavour, low on fuss.

When The Corner officially opens on Thursday 5 December, it will showcase contemporary Asian eatery Bao Brothers, Newcastle burgers-and-chicken anarchists Rascal debuting their second venue, Italian gelato experts Popolo Artisan Gelato opening their first Popolo Dessert Bar, new artisanal cafe Hunter Espresso and 4 Pines Brewing Company pouring a rotating list of craft beers. Lee’s Yum Cha, with the first traditional Chinese trolley service in the Hunter, will be opening in February.

The Corner officially opens on Thursday 5 December

Mardi Ashkine, Precinct Manager of The Corner, said: “Our vision for The Corner is of a day-to-night hub with great local food, music and art. Most of the foodies and brands we’re working with are independent ventures with Newcastle roots.”

“With the name, we wanted to suggest an urban hangout where everyone can be themselves, where individuality and authenticity are celebrated. We’re supporting the city’s creatives and making a space for events and community.”

The Corner’s launch will kick off with four days of live music and entertainment, from Thursday 5 December to Sunday 8 December, as an intro to an ongoing cultural program. There’ll also be opening weekend pop ups: Streets of Napoli woodfired pizza by Napoli Centrale Pizza Bar and Doughheads doughnuts.

All-day dining, casual communal eats in a sunny sociable atmosphere

During The Corner’s first months, artists who’ll be creating and exhibiting in the precinct include Ellie Hannon, Bradley Eastman, Lucas Grogan and Brett Piva. The musical roster will feature New Orleans-style jazz from the Rehab Brass Band; live funk on Fridays from a five-piece band led by musical director Jacob Neale; and old-school funk, soul and reggae played from original vinyl 45 singles by resident DJs Dan Phelan and DJ Tone. On Saturdays, Tim Rossington’s atmospheric percussion, guitar loops and vocals evoke chilled out coastal vibes; and, with his Sunday blues, guitar virtuoso Adam Miller is playing sad music to make you feel good.

Ty Burford, co-owner at Rascal, said: “The Corner is all about providing Newcastle with unexpected experiences; it’s authentic ‘ingredients’ served with love, fun and energy – this is going to be a great fit. We’re all about our original recipes, defiant flavour combinations and the unique Burger of the Week.”

Nathan Martin, co-founder of Bao Brothers, said: “We started with not much more than Newcastle grit and determination, and look at us now! We’re psyched about opening our newest venue at The Corner and can’t wait to share our passion for quality Asian food served in an authentic, immersive experience.”

Popolo Dessert Bar’s Alfonso Muras said: “Popolo means ‘people’ in Italian and, with our Italian heritage, we share Newcastle’s passion for community and family. Our Dessert Bar will be a bold mix of tradition and contemporary experimentation, mixing a range of creamy, classic gelato, vegan treats and lactose-free licks, and even gelato cocktails and alcohol-infused gelato.”

Bradley Eastman (one of the artists commissioned to complete a mural in the space. Credit photographer Billy Zammit

The GPT Group announced its operational update for the September 2019 quarter with key operational highlights:

• Office leasing of 64,982 square metres (sqm) completed during the quarter, with portfolio occupancy increasing to 97.7 per cent (97.1 per cent at 30 June 2019)
• Logistics leasing of 45,815 sqm completed during the quarter, with portfolio occupancy increasing to 95.6 per cent (93.4 per cent at 30 June 2019)
• Acquired a 33.4 hectare logistics development site at Kemps Creek, Sydney, for $100 million, with settlement to occur in two tranches over 2020 and 2021
• Acquired a 32.8 hectare logistics development site at Truganina, Melbourne, for $34 million, with settlement expected in 2022
• Retail specialty sales of $11,546 per square metre (psqm), representing growth of 0.5 per cent over the last 12 months
• Retail comparable MAT growth of 0.1 per cent (1.0 per cent at 30 June 2019) and Combined Specialty comparable MAT growth of (0.4) per cent (0.7 per cent at 30 June 2019)
• Maintained a leadership position in the real estate industry for delivering sustainable business outcomes, ranking 3rd globally in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices and achieving a GRESB survey outcome that places GPT in the top 20 per cent of respondents.