The staircase, first envisioned by Barney Collins in 2006 and revived by the council last year, would run through land owned by developer Iris Capital and the council's soon-to-be-demolished King Street car park.

The two parties are in negotiations to lock down an in-principle agreement to pursue to the project.

One condition of any deal would be for the car park's 380 spaces to be retained in a revised Iris Capital development.

Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the concept was a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to create a landmark public space for the city.

"We want to determine the community's support for this new public space which would feature a 93-metre long and 20-metre wide public space and stairway extending from Hunter Street to King Street, enabling pedestrian access, active shop fronts, landings and courtyards along the proposed staircase to gather and meet," she said.

Iris Capital would need to revise plans for the third stage of its East End mixed-use development to incorporate the stairway and car park.

Should the project not go ahead, Iris Capital's building will block sight lines to the harbour.

A feedback portal is open on the council's website until Friday, June 4.

The Property Council and Newcastle Urban Design Review Panel support the concept.

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