Latest news with #DepartmentofEnvironmentandHeritage
The Advertiser
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Heritage Minister tells Jerry Schwartz to 'get moving' on post office restoration
State Heritage Minister Penny Sharpe and Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp have urged Newcastle Post Office owner Jerry Schwartz to get cracking on the restoration of the heritage jewel. Community and council frustration with the lack of progress on the landmark building has reached boiling point in recent months. Despite having council approval, the project needs to be referred to the heritage branch of the Department of Environment and Heritage before it can be submitted for certification. Dr Schwartz appointed new architects to work on the project in early 2023 to prepare a series of detailed specialist reports required to obtain a construction certificate. But, more than two years on, the certificate is still outstanding. Speaking in Newcastle on Thursday, Ms Sharpe said Heritage NSW and the Heritage Council had held discussions with Dr Schwartz's representatives about what was needed for the project to proceed. "They're obviously keeping a close eye on it because it's such a precious asset. We stand ready to work through those issues. I think there are some things that the developer needs to provide in terms of information. I'd encourage them to do that as quickly as possible," Ms Sharpe said. "What we're really looking forward to is the owner taking action and actually bringing it to life again." The state government bought the building for $4 million in late 2012. It was then acquired by the Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council in mid-2014 as part of a land claim. The land council sold the building to Dr Schwartz for $3.6 million in October 2018. Dr Schwartz's plan to transform the building into a conference centre, retail shops, a cafe and an Indigenous cultural centre and medical museum was first approved in 2021. The plans in May last year with alterations and additions to the existing building, including an extra storey to the amenities block. The proposed additional level was subsequently removed. The latest plans also include a museum-quality miniature representation of Newcastle's rail, industry, architectural and maritime history. Dr Schwartz estimates he has spent about $600,000 on asbestos and lead removal, plus about $100,000 a year on general maintenance. Despite that, he recently reaffirmed his commitment to the building's restoration, citing delays in obtaining a construction certificate as the reason why the project was not progressing. Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said the post office was the subject of regular communication from the community. "We really want to see some genuine commitment from the owner to actually progress this issue in a really timely manner," he said. "The developer talks a lot about getting it moving, a lot about their interactions with various agencies, but the developer actually has to really make that commitment, get the money and get it moving." Ms Sharpe said the post office saga demonstrated why it was essential for heritage buildings to be well-maintained. "Of course I'm disappointed that previous governments haven't upgraded it," she said. "We've got assets all over the state that we're looking at, but I think the real lesson here is what can we put in place in partnership with private owners or public owners of heritage to make sure that they're actually kept in good condition before they fall into disrepair, because the bill just goes up from there." State Heritage Minister Penny Sharpe and Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp have urged Newcastle Post Office owner Jerry Schwartz to get cracking on the restoration of the heritage jewel. Community and council frustration with the lack of progress on the landmark building has reached boiling point in recent months. Despite having council approval, the project needs to be referred to the heritage branch of the Department of Environment and Heritage before it can be submitted for certification. Dr Schwartz appointed new architects to work on the project in early 2023 to prepare a series of detailed specialist reports required to obtain a construction certificate. But, more than two years on, the certificate is still outstanding. Speaking in Newcastle on Thursday, Ms Sharpe said Heritage NSW and the Heritage Council had held discussions with Dr Schwartz's representatives about what was needed for the project to proceed. "They're obviously keeping a close eye on it because it's such a precious asset. We stand ready to work through those issues. I think there are some things that the developer needs to provide in terms of information. I'd encourage them to do that as quickly as possible," Ms Sharpe said. "What we're really looking forward to is the owner taking action and actually bringing it to life again." The state government bought the building for $4 million in late 2012. It was then acquired by the Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council in mid-2014 as part of a land claim. The land council sold the building to Dr Schwartz for $3.6 million in October 2018. Dr Schwartz's plan to transform the building into a conference centre, retail shops, a cafe and an Indigenous cultural centre and medical museum was first approved in 2021. The plans in May last year with alterations and additions to the existing building, including an extra storey to the amenities block. The proposed additional level was subsequently removed. The latest plans also include a museum-quality miniature representation of Newcastle's rail, industry, architectural and maritime history. Dr Schwartz estimates he has spent about $600,000 on asbestos and lead removal, plus about $100,000 a year on general maintenance. Despite that, he recently reaffirmed his commitment to the building's restoration, citing delays in obtaining a construction certificate as the reason why the project was not progressing. Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said the post office was the subject of regular communication from the community. "We really want to see some genuine commitment from the owner to actually progress this issue in a really timely manner," he said. "The developer talks a lot about getting it moving, a lot about their interactions with various agencies, but the developer actually has to really make that commitment, get the money and get it moving." Ms Sharpe said the post office saga demonstrated why it was essential for heritage buildings to be well-maintained. "Of course I'm disappointed that previous governments haven't upgraded it," she said. "We've got assets all over the state that we're looking at, but I think the real lesson here is what can we put in place in partnership with private owners or public owners of heritage to make sure that they're actually kept in good condition before they fall into disrepair, because the bill just goes up from there." State Heritage Minister Penny Sharpe and Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp have urged Newcastle Post Office owner Jerry Schwartz to get cracking on the restoration of the heritage jewel. Community and council frustration with the lack of progress on the landmark building has reached boiling point in recent months. Despite having council approval, the project needs to be referred to the heritage branch of the Department of Environment and Heritage before it can be submitted for certification. Dr Schwartz appointed new architects to work on the project in early 2023 to prepare a series of detailed specialist reports required to obtain a construction certificate. But, more than two years on, the certificate is still outstanding. Speaking in Newcastle on Thursday, Ms Sharpe said Heritage NSW and the Heritage Council had held discussions with Dr Schwartz's representatives about what was needed for the project to proceed. "They're obviously keeping a close eye on it because it's such a precious asset. We stand ready to work through those issues. I think there are some things that the developer needs to provide in terms of information. I'd encourage them to do that as quickly as possible," Ms Sharpe said. "What we're really looking forward to is the owner taking action and actually bringing it to life again." The state government bought the building for $4 million in late 2012. It was then acquired by the Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council in mid-2014 as part of a land claim. The land council sold the building to Dr Schwartz for $3.6 million in October 2018. Dr Schwartz's plan to transform the building into a conference centre, retail shops, a cafe and an Indigenous cultural centre and medical museum was first approved in 2021. The plans in May last year with alterations and additions to the existing building, including an extra storey to the amenities block. The proposed additional level was subsequently removed. The latest plans also include a museum-quality miniature representation of Newcastle's rail, industry, architectural and maritime history. Dr Schwartz estimates he has spent about $600,000 on asbestos and lead removal, plus about $100,000 a year on general maintenance. Despite that, he recently reaffirmed his commitment to the building's restoration, citing delays in obtaining a construction certificate as the reason why the project was not progressing. Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said the post office was the subject of regular communication from the community. "We really want to see some genuine commitment from the owner to actually progress this issue in a really timely manner," he said. "The developer talks a lot about getting it moving, a lot about their interactions with various agencies, but the developer actually has to really make that commitment, get the money and get it moving." Ms Sharpe said the post office saga demonstrated why it was essential for heritage buildings to be well-maintained. "Of course I'm disappointed that previous governments haven't upgraded it," she said. "We've got assets all over the state that we're looking at, but I think the real lesson here is what can we put in place in partnership with private owners or public owners of heritage to make sure that they're actually kept in good condition before they fall into disrepair, because the bill just goes up from there." State Heritage Minister Penny Sharpe and Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp have urged Newcastle Post Office owner Jerry Schwartz to get cracking on the restoration of the heritage jewel. Community and council frustration with the lack of progress on the landmark building has reached boiling point in recent months. Despite having council approval, the project needs to be referred to the heritage branch of the Department of Environment and Heritage before it can be submitted for certification. Dr Schwartz appointed new architects to work on the project in early 2023 to prepare a series of detailed specialist reports required to obtain a construction certificate. But, more than two years on, the certificate is still outstanding. Speaking in Newcastle on Thursday, Ms Sharpe said Heritage NSW and the Heritage Council had held discussions with Dr Schwartz's representatives about what was needed for the project to proceed. "They're obviously keeping a close eye on it because it's such a precious asset. We stand ready to work through those issues. I think there are some things that the developer needs to provide in terms of information. I'd encourage them to do that as quickly as possible," Ms Sharpe said. "What we're really looking forward to is the owner taking action and actually bringing it to life again." The state government bought the building for $4 million in late 2012. It was then acquired by the Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council in mid-2014 as part of a land claim. The land council sold the building to Dr Schwartz for $3.6 million in October 2018. Dr Schwartz's plan to transform the building into a conference centre, retail shops, a cafe and an Indigenous cultural centre and medical museum was first approved in 2021. The plans in May last year with alterations and additions to the existing building, including an extra storey to the amenities block. The proposed additional level was subsequently removed. The latest plans also include a museum-quality miniature representation of Newcastle's rail, industry, architectural and maritime history. Dr Schwartz estimates he has spent about $600,000 on asbestos and lead removal, plus about $100,000 a year on general maintenance. Despite that, he recently reaffirmed his commitment to the building's restoration, citing delays in obtaining a construction certificate as the reason why the project was not progressing. Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said the post office was the subject of regular communication from the community. "We really want to see some genuine commitment from the owner to actually progress this issue in a really timely manner," he said. "The developer talks a lot about getting it moving, a lot about their interactions with various agencies, but the developer actually has to really make that commitment, get the money and get it moving." Ms Sharpe said the post office saga demonstrated why it was essential for heritage buildings to be well-maintained. "Of course I'm disappointed that previous governments haven't upgraded it," she said. "We've got assets all over the state that we're looking at, but I think the real lesson here is what can we put in place in partnership with private owners or public owners of heritage to make sure that they're actually kept in good condition before they fall into disrepair, because the bill just goes up from there."
The Advertiser
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Screws tighten on Schwartz over lack of action on post office
City of Newcastle has signed off on a modified development application for the restoration of Newcastle Post Office. But it is unlikely the sounds of construction will be heard coming from the city's heritage jewel anytime soon because a construction certificate needed for the works has not been issued. The council initially approved plans to transform the building into a conference centre, retail shops, a cafe and an Indigenous cultural centre and medical museum in 2021. Dr Jerry Schwartz, who paid $3.6 million for the building in 2018, sought to modify his plans in May last year with alterations and additions to the existing building, including an extra storey to the amenities block. The proposed additional level was subsequently removed. Despite the council's approval, the project will need to be referred to the heritage branch of the Department of Environment and Heritage before it can be submitted for certification. Dr Schwartz appointed new architects in early 2023 to prepare a series of detailed specialist reports required to obtain a construction certificate. He told the Newcastle Herald in June 2024 that progress towards obtaining the certificate was 90 per cent complete. The Herald is aware that Dr Schwartz, who has spent between $1 and $2 million on architects and consultants to date, has been making increased efforts in recent months to obtain the certificate. He acknowledged on Tuesday that numerous deadlines for the highly anticipated restoration project had not been met. "It's incredibly frustrating," he said. "The biggest issue (concerning the construction certificate) has been the structural integrity of the building and what we need to do to make it more structurally sound. The investigations have been done. We just need their report." Despite that, he remained as determined as ever to see the project, which now includes a museum-quality miniature representation of Newcastle's rail, industry, architectural and maritime history, through. Since purchasing the building, Dr Schwartz estimates he has spent about $600,000 on asbestos and lead removal plus about $100,000 a year on general maintenance. City of Newcastle executive director, planning and environment, Michelle Bisson, said on Tuesday that the recently approved modifications had not significantly altered the previous plans. "Original features such as columns, capitals, windows and doors are proposed to be repaired, with the existing western, southern and eastern arcades on the ground level to be restored," she said. "The first floor will see the installation of a glass roof over the terrace and the restoration of two existing fireplaces in the proposed function room." Lord mayor Ross Kerridge said the site was a window into Newcastle's prosperity during the late 19th century coal boom and deserved a bright future. "I know the delays in activating the building since the sale by the federal government over 20 years ago has been enormously frustrating for the community," Cr Kerridge said. "I have had a number of constructive conversations with Dr Jerry Schwartz who owns the building. I know that he has some exciting plans and I look forward to seeing progress on these developments." City of Newcastle general manager Jeremy Bath said the complexity of a heritage site was significant, but the latest approval cleared the path for the rejuvenation to forge ahead. "This is the second time City of Newcastle has approved the redevelopment of this iconic piece of Newcastle's history," Mr Bath said. City of Newcastle has signed off on a modified development application for the restoration of Newcastle Post Office. But it is unlikely the sounds of construction will be heard coming from the city's heritage jewel anytime soon because a construction certificate needed for the works has not been issued. The council initially approved plans to transform the building into a conference centre, retail shops, a cafe and an Indigenous cultural centre and medical museum in 2021. Dr Jerry Schwartz, who paid $3.6 million for the building in 2018, sought to modify his plans in May last year with alterations and additions to the existing building, including an extra storey to the amenities block. The proposed additional level was subsequently removed. Despite the council's approval, the project will need to be referred to the heritage branch of the Department of Environment and Heritage before it can be submitted for certification. Dr Schwartz appointed new architects in early 2023 to prepare a series of detailed specialist reports required to obtain a construction certificate. He told the Newcastle Herald in June 2024 that progress towards obtaining the certificate was 90 per cent complete. The Herald is aware that Dr Schwartz, who has spent between $1 and $2 million on architects and consultants to date, has been making increased efforts in recent months to obtain the certificate. He acknowledged on Tuesday that numerous deadlines for the highly anticipated restoration project had not been met. "It's incredibly frustrating," he said. "The biggest issue (concerning the construction certificate) has been the structural integrity of the building and what we need to do to make it more structurally sound. The investigations have been done. We just need their report." Despite that, he remained as determined as ever to see the project, which now includes a museum-quality miniature representation of Newcastle's rail, industry, architectural and maritime history, through. Since purchasing the building, Dr Schwartz estimates he has spent about $600,000 on asbestos and lead removal plus about $100,000 a year on general maintenance. City of Newcastle executive director, planning and environment, Michelle Bisson, said on Tuesday that the recently approved modifications had not significantly altered the previous plans. "Original features such as columns, capitals, windows and doors are proposed to be repaired, with the existing western, southern and eastern arcades on the ground level to be restored," she said. "The first floor will see the installation of a glass roof over the terrace and the restoration of two existing fireplaces in the proposed function room." Lord mayor Ross Kerridge said the site was a window into Newcastle's prosperity during the late 19th century coal boom and deserved a bright future. "I know the delays in activating the building since the sale by the federal government over 20 years ago has been enormously frustrating for the community," Cr Kerridge said. "I have had a number of constructive conversations with Dr Jerry Schwartz who owns the building. I know that he has some exciting plans and I look forward to seeing progress on these developments." City of Newcastle general manager Jeremy Bath said the complexity of a heritage site was significant, but the latest approval cleared the path for the rejuvenation to forge ahead. "This is the second time City of Newcastle has approved the redevelopment of this iconic piece of Newcastle's history," Mr Bath said. City of Newcastle has signed off on a modified development application for the restoration of Newcastle Post Office. But it is unlikely the sounds of construction will be heard coming from the city's heritage jewel anytime soon because a construction certificate needed for the works has not been issued. The council initially approved plans to transform the building into a conference centre, retail shops, a cafe and an Indigenous cultural centre and medical museum in 2021. Dr Jerry Schwartz, who paid $3.6 million for the building in 2018, sought to modify his plans in May last year with alterations and additions to the existing building, including an extra storey to the amenities block. The proposed additional level was subsequently removed. Despite the council's approval, the project will need to be referred to the heritage branch of the Department of Environment and Heritage before it can be submitted for certification. Dr Schwartz appointed new architects in early 2023 to prepare a series of detailed specialist reports required to obtain a construction certificate. He told the Newcastle Herald in June 2024 that progress towards obtaining the certificate was 90 per cent complete. The Herald is aware that Dr Schwartz, who has spent between $1 and $2 million on architects and consultants to date, has been making increased efforts in recent months to obtain the certificate. He acknowledged on Tuesday that numerous deadlines for the highly anticipated restoration project had not been met. "It's incredibly frustrating," he said. "The biggest issue (concerning the construction certificate) has been the structural integrity of the building and what we need to do to make it more structurally sound. The investigations have been done. We just need their report." Despite that, he remained as determined as ever to see the project, which now includes a museum-quality miniature representation of Newcastle's rail, industry, architectural and maritime history, through. Since purchasing the building, Dr Schwartz estimates he has spent about $600,000 on asbestos and lead removal plus about $100,000 a year on general maintenance. City of Newcastle executive director, planning and environment, Michelle Bisson, said on Tuesday that the recently approved modifications had not significantly altered the previous plans. "Original features such as columns, capitals, windows and doors are proposed to be repaired, with the existing western, southern and eastern arcades on the ground level to be restored," she said. "The first floor will see the installation of a glass roof over the terrace and the restoration of two existing fireplaces in the proposed function room." Lord mayor Ross Kerridge said the site was a window into Newcastle's prosperity during the late 19th century coal boom and deserved a bright future. "I know the delays in activating the building since the sale by the federal government over 20 years ago has been enormously frustrating for the community," Cr Kerridge said. "I have had a number of constructive conversations with Dr Jerry Schwartz who owns the building. I know that he has some exciting plans and I look forward to seeing progress on these developments." City of Newcastle general manager Jeremy Bath said the complexity of a heritage site was significant, but the latest approval cleared the path for the rejuvenation to forge ahead. "This is the second time City of Newcastle has approved the redevelopment of this iconic piece of Newcastle's history," Mr Bath said. City of Newcastle has signed off on a modified development application for the restoration of Newcastle Post Office. But it is unlikely the sounds of construction will be heard coming from the city's heritage jewel anytime soon because a construction certificate needed for the works has not been issued. The council initially approved plans to transform the building into a conference centre, retail shops, a cafe and an Indigenous cultural centre and medical museum in 2021. Dr Jerry Schwartz, who paid $3.6 million for the building in 2018, sought to modify his plans in May last year with alterations and additions to the existing building, including an extra storey to the amenities block. The proposed additional level was subsequently removed. Despite the council's approval, the project will need to be referred to the heritage branch of the Department of Environment and Heritage before it can be submitted for certification. Dr Schwartz appointed new architects in early 2023 to prepare a series of detailed specialist reports required to obtain a construction certificate. He told the Newcastle Herald in June 2024 that progress towards obtaining the certificate was 90 per cent complete. The Herald is aware that Dr Schwartz, who has spent between $1 and $2 million on architects and consultants to date, has been making increased efforts in recent months to obtain the certificate. He acknowledged on Tuesday that numerous deadlines for the highly anticipated restoration project had not been met. "It's incredibly frustrating," he said. "The biggest issue (concerning the construction certificate) has been the structural integrity of the building and what we need to do to make it more structurally sound. The investigations have been done. We just need their report." Despite that, he remained as determined as ever to see the project, which now includes a museum-quality miniature representation of Newcastle's rail, industry, architectural and maritime history, through. Since purchasing the building, Dr Schwartz estimates he has spent about $600,000 on asbestos and lead removal plus about $100,000 a year on general maintenance. City of Newcastle executive director, planning and environment, Michelle Bisson, said on Tuesday that the recently approved modifications had not significantly altered the previous plans. "Original features such as columns, capitals, windows and doors are proposed to be repaired, with the existing western, southern and eastern arcades on the ground level to be restored," she said. "The first floor will see the installation of a glass roof over the terrace and the restoration of two existing fireplaces in the proposed function room." Lord mayor Ross Kerridge said the site was a window into Newcastle's prosperity during the late 19th century coal boom and deserved a bright future. "I know the delays in activating the building since the sale by the federal government over 20 years ago has been enormously frustrating for the community," Cr Kerridge said. "I have had a number of constructive conversations with Dr Jerry Schwartz who owns the building. I know that he has some exciting plans and I look forward to seeing progress on these developments." City of Newcastle general manager Jeremy Bath said the complexity of a heritage site was significant, but the latest approval cleared the path for the rejuvenation to forge ahead. "This is the second time City of Newcastle has approved the redevelopment of this iconic piece of Newcastle's history," Mr Bath said.
