[8][9] A permanent terminus, Newcastle Interchange, was constructed adjacent to the former Wickham station and opened on 15 October 2017.

[10][11][12] The decision to use a predominantly on-street route drew mixed reactions and led to speculation that the railway corridor could be sold to property developers.

[13][14][15] It also went against the advice of Transport for NSW, which supported reusing the heavy rail corridor and advised the government that an on-street route could cost almost $100 million extra and deliver a slower service.

[16] In December 2014, the Government announced that Newcastle City Council would have the final say in determining any future development in the former rail corridor.

[24] In August 2015, Transport for NSW put out a tender for a technical advisor to assist in the development of this project.

[25] Registrations of interest for companies to design and construct the Newcastle Light Rail were called in January 2016.

[26][27] In July 2018, an alternate list of names was published where Market St could be Queens Wharf and Pacific Park could be Newcastle Beach.

[28] In April 2016, CPB Contractors, Downer Group, John Holland, Laing O'Rourke and McConnell Dowell were shortlisted to bid for the contract to build the infrastructure.

[30] The government announced in April 2017 that the trams would use onboard energy storage technology to allow the majority of the line to operate without overhead wires.

[40][41][42][43] The trams were purchased by exercising an option under the rolling stock contract for Sydney's Inner West Light Rail.

The Newcastle variant of the vehicles includes technology to enable wire-free operation, onboard surfboard racks and a different livery.

[60] In March 2020, an updated report was released by Transport for NSW on the business case for the extension of the line.

[61] Media reporting identified that the "most suitable" route for an extension is from Newcastle Interchange to John Hunter Hospital, but that there was "no urgent need" to extend stage one following economic assessments.