![Refresh: Hamilton BIA representative Janice Musumeci, Cr Carol Duncan and Clock Tower Café's Lovkesh Asija. Refresh: Hamilton BIA representative Janice Musumeci, Cr Carol Duncan and Clock Tower Café's Lovkesh Asija.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/tmUaC97GWTfBTvbgiBtbEs/74d0c8e5-c80c-42e2-bafa-0a1e262d2fd8.jpg/r0_0_4032_3024_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Work has begun on the transformation of James Street Plaza to attract more visitors, families and shoppers to the popular spot on Beaumont Street.
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Upgrades include new paving, street furniture, landscaping, artworks and ground etchings acknowledging Hamilton's rich history. There will also be an interactive lighting display developed in collaboration with the University of Newcastle, to celebrate Hamilton's unique character and heritage.
![New look: An artist's impression of what the James Street Plaza is expected to look like after work is complete. Picture: City of Newcastle New look: An artist's impression of what the James Street Plaza is expected to look like after work is complete. Picture: City of Newcastle](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/tmUaC97GWTfBTvbgiBtbEs/e099b7bf-b0f3-4393-9f29-5f17feafd568.jpg/r0_0_1152_768_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Cr Carol Duncan said the design reflected broad feedback from the community, as well as contributions from local historian Ruth Cotton, author of Hidden Hamilton.
"Etchings on ground paving and signage in the plaza have been informed by Ruth's extensive research of Hamilton's history - from its traditional owners, through the suburb's history as a mining settlement, its rich European influence from the Lettopalena Italian migrant community, and the impact of the 1989 earthquake," Cr Duncan said. Works are due to be finished mid 2021.
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