Tighes Hill is primarily an industrial area with residential parts expanding toward Mayfield. A small number of mixed businesses are available on Elizabeth Street in Tighes Hill. However, the largest commercial centre near the suburb is the Mayfield shopping district. Tighes Hill developed from the construction of a bridge over Throsby Creek at the opening of the Ferndale Colliery in 1877. Within three years the suburb had a school, post office, church and stores. Today, the area provides housing for industrial employees and cheaper living near the CBD. The Newcastle TAFE is located on Maitland Rd at Tighes Hill.