Up for discussion were the possible future uses of the rail corridor, growth in the CBD and introducing more green spaces.

The forum was one of four held in Newcastle in August and September by UrbanGrowth NSW, the state government's business arm.

Among the attendees was former mayor of Christchurch, Sir Bob Parker, who spoke about how old buildings, like Newcastle train station, had been put to new use after the Christchurch earthquakes.

UrbanGrowth NSW hopes to present its Revitalisation Newcastle plans to the council by the end of the year.

Newcastle state MP Tim Crakanthorp has taken aim at some of the government's changes in the city's western end.

Mr Crakanthorp's main concern is the Wickham Transport Interchange and he has met with Transport NSW officials for a briefing on the final design.

"I am concerned about the lack of details in the plan presented to the people of Newcastle. We have no details or floor plans to consult," Mr Crakanthorp said.

"During the meeting with Transport NSW, I was also told that there was no space for buses to pick up or drop off and no parking areas for cars. It appears that the planners have missed some crucial points of a transport interchange - that being, various modes of transport."

Planners have revealed the new transport interchange will have just two taxi ranks and four drop-off spaces.

■ The final community consultation session for Revitalising Newcastle is this Saturday. To register go to yoursay.revitalisingnewcastle.com.au.