New place names for Newcastle?

Streets, buildings and parks are facing a new set of names.

Following a recommendation to the Executive Committee (Exco) last week, seven officials and 10 councillors have been identified for a Place Naming Committee.

These 17 members will assess all proposed changes.

Following last Tuesday’s meeting of the Exco, the recommended members were agreed upon, on Mayor, Afzul Rehman’s insistence the committee be reflective of the varying culture and communities of Newcastle.

He also urged committee members to be sensitive when proposing alternative names.

According to a document included in the Exco agenda, place naming ‘is a critical aspect of the city, as it enhances general orientation…’

The growth of Newcastle was also touted as a reason for a revision of existing names.

“The policy will assist in providing a conducive environment for the establishment of sustainable human settlements and vibrant economic growth,” the document stated.

In addition to the Place Naming Committee, the recommendation to Exco asked for the consideration of budget allocation for due processes, for the 2016/2017 financial year.

However, the idea of renaming local streets was heard as far back as 2013.

Following an article on the proposal, residents took to social media and generally agreed it was an unnecessary, wasteful pursuit.

Only one response to the 2013 article was for changing of names.

The resident who backed the proposal, said it was long overdue, adding the process needed to be collaborative, empathetic and striking balance between new and historic.

For now, the committee’s establishment is the next step.

Elsewhere in the country, place renaming has been met with mixed reactions from communities, some of who expressed upset at only certain political heroes being honoured.

Just what names Newcastle can expect, remains to be seen.