Latest news with #JerrySchwartz
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.
The Advertiser
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Ready to deliver: Newcastle Post Office revival wins fresh approval
IT may not have been an express delivery, but Newcastle Post Office's restoration has taken an important step forward. City of Newcastle has approved a modified development application for the historic structure, the council announced on Tuesday. Dr Jerry Schwartz has owned the landmark since 2018, when he bought it with a $3.6 million plan to deliver a conference centre, retail shops, a cafe and an Indigenous cultural centre. Approved in 2021, the Schwartz Family Company sought to modify those plans in May last year with alterations and additions to the existing building, including an extra storey and a residence on the site. The additional level proposal was subsequently removed, the council said, after consultation with Heritage Council of NSW and planning staff. Speaking to the Newcastle Herald in October, Dr Schwartz said the approval was a crucial next step. "Once this is approved, we can essentially submit the construction certificate," Dr Schwartz said. "I wish to reiterate that I have no intention of land banking this property. I want it to come back to life and make money for me." The council's executive director planning and environment Michelle Bisson said on Tuesday the changes 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," Ms Bisson 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. IT may not have been an express delivery, but Newcastle Post Office's restoration has taken an important step forward. City of Newcastle has approved a modified development application for the historic structure, the council announced on Tuesday. Dr Jerry Schwartz has owned the landmark since 2018, when he bought it with a $3.6 million plan to deliver a conference centre, retail shops, a cafe and an Indigenous cultural centre. Approved in 2021, the Schwartz Family Company sought to modify those plans in May last year with alterations and additions to the existing building, including an extra storey and a residence on the site. The additional level proposal was subsequently removed, the council said, after consultation with Heritage Council of NSW and planning staff. Speaking to the Newcastle Herald in October, Dr Schwartz said the approval was a crucial next step. "Once this is approved, we can essentially submit the construction certificate," Dr Schwartz said. "I wish to reiterate that I have no intention of land banking this property. I want it to come back to life and make money for me." The council's executive director planning and environment Michelle Bisson said on Tuesday the changes 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," Ms Bisson 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. IT may not have been an express delivery, but Newcastle Post Office's restoration has taken an important step forward. City of Newcastle has approved a modified development application for the historic structure, the council announced on Tuesday. Dr Jerry Schwartz has owned the landmark since 2018, when he bought it with a $3.6 million plan to deliver a conference centre, retail shops, a cafe and an Indigenous cultural centre. Approved in 2021, the Schwartz Family Company sought to modify those plans in May last year with alterations and additions to the existing building, including an extra storey and a residence on the site. The additional level proposal was subsequently removed, the council said, after consultation with Heritage Council of NSW and planning staff. Speaking to the Newcastle Herald in October, Dr Schwartz said the approval was a crucial next step. "Once this is approved, we can essentially submit the construction certificate," Dr Schwartz said. "I wish to reiterate that I have no intention of land banking this property. I want it to come back to life and make money for me." The council's executive director planning and environment Michelle Bisson said on Tuesday the changes 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," Ms Bisson 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. IT may not have been an express delivery, but Newcastle Post Office's restoration has taken an important step forward. City of Newcastle has approved a modified development application for the historic structure, the council announced on Tuesday. Dr Jerry Schwartz has owned the landmark since 2018, when he bought it with a $3.6 million plan to deliver a conference centre, retail shops, a cafe and an Indigenous cultural centre. Approved in 2021, the Schwartz Family Company sought to modify those plans in May last year with alterations and additions to the existing building, including an extra storey and a residence on the site. The additional level proposal was subsequently removed, the council said, after consultation with Heritage Council of NSW and planning staff. Speaking to the Newcastle Herald in October, Dr Schwartz said the approval was a crucial next step. "Once this is approved, we can essentially submit the construction certificate," Dr Schwartz said. "I wish to reiterate that I have no intention of land banking this property. I want it to come back to life and make money for me." The council's executive director planning and environment Michelle Bisson said on Tuesday the changes 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," Ms Bisson 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.
The Age
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Age
Roosters and Politis bet on Paddington co-living as clubs pour money into property deals
Hotel boom Rich lister Dr Jerry Schwartz has bought the Blue Mountains Hospitality School in Leura to add to its property empire. Schwartz told participants at this week's AHICE 2025 hotel conference in Adelaide that he wanted to expand his Blue Mountains-based Fairmont resort but was knocked back by the local council. 'So I bought the opposite school,' he told the 500-strong audience. The school is across the road from Schwartz's long-established Leura Gardens Resort in the NSW Blue Mountains which he relaunched under the management of Trilogy Hotels. Set on four and a half acres of landscaped gardens, originally created in the 1920s by Lady Mabel Fairfax and her gardener Hector Hood, the 92-room resort features studio and family rooms, along with self-contained apartments. Loading Schwartz said he was now planning to consolidate his portfolio at a time when experts at the conference said the sector was on a growth trajectory. Vanessa Rader, head of research for the Ray White Group, said Australia's tourism sector is showing robust signs of recovery as international visitors return in significant numbers following the pandemic. Recent data reveals international visitor arrivals to Australia are forecast to reach 8.3 million this year, about 88 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. Arrivals are projected to surpass pre-pandemic numbers by 2026, reaching a record 10 million international visitors. Doors Plus Doors Plus' 13-strong Australian property portfolio is coming to market. The portfolio includes 11 showrooms currently operated by Doors Plus that will be sold with attractive leaseback terms in place, as well as another two sites with vacant possession. One of those is a development site for a proposed showroom. Spread across five states, there are five in NSW, four in Victoria, two in South Australia and one in both Queensland and the ACT. One Doors Plus tenant has traded in the showroom for more than 35 years. Colliers' Jordan McConnell and James Quick have the listing. Price expectations are in the mid-$30 million range with Ellerston Capital Solutions (ECS) acting as financial advisers. Private club A new private club called The Pillars has opened in Sydney in the former home of the Property Council of Australia at 11 Barrack place. The club's building was first occupied in 1858 by The State Savings Bank of New South Wales and was also home to the Commonwealth Bank. The venue is being billed as a new style of space for Australia's male and female business community, aiming to create an environment where 'leaders can connect and collaborate'. Co-founded by Tank Stream Labs chief executive Bradley Delamare and Emma Blomfield, founder of EB Design Studio, the club has four levels. Its ground floor dining and bar – the recently opened two-hatted Eleven Barack by The Bentley Group – is overseen by Brent Savage and head chefs Aiden Stevens and Niro Richards. A feature of the new club is its collection of Australian and international art works. They include big names like Louise Olsen, Catherine Clayton-Smith, Diena Georgetti, Damien Hirst, Isaac Julien, Andy Warhol, Nick Modrzewski, Jude Cohen, Guy Bourdin, Tracey Emin and British artists Tim Noble & Sue Webster.
Sydney Morning Herald
08-05-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Roosters and Politis bet on Paddington co-living as clubs pour money into property deals
Hotel boom Rich lister Dr Jerry Schwartz has bought the Blue Mountains Hospitality School in Leura to add to its property empire. Schwartz told participants at this week's AHICE 2025 hotel conference in Adelaide that he wanted to expand his Blue Mountains-based Fairmont resort but was knocked back by the local council. 'So I bought the opposite school,' he told the 500-strong audience. The school is across the road from Schwartz's long-established Leura Gardens Resort in the NSW Blue Mountains which he relaunched under the management of Trilogy Hotels. Set on four and a half acres of landscaped gardens, originally created in the 1920s by Lady Mabel Fairfax and her gardener Hector Hood, the 92-room resort features studio and family rooms, along with self-contained apartments. Loading Schwartz said he was now planning to consolidate his portfolio at a time when experts at the conference said the sector was on a growth trajectory. Vanessa Rader, head of research for the Ray White Group, said Australia's tourism sector is showing robust signs of recovery as international visitors return in significant numbers following the pandemic. Recent data reveals international visitor arrivals to Australia are forecast to reach 8.3 million this year, about 88 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. Arrivals are projected to surpass pre-pandemic numbers by 2026, reaching a record 10 million international visitors. Doors Plus Doors Plus' 13-strong Australian property portfolio is coming to market. The portfolio includes 11 showrooms currently operated by Doors Plus that will be sold with attractive leaseback terms in place, as well as another two sites with vacant possession. One of those is a development site for a proposed showroom. Spread across five states, there are five in NSW, four in Victoria, two in South Australia and one in both Queensland and the ACT. One Doors Plus tenant has traded in the showroom for more than 35 years. Colliers' Jordan McConnell and James Quick have the listing. Price expectations are in the mid-$30 million range with Ellerston Capital Solutions (ECS) acting as financial advisers. Private club A new private club called The Pillars has opened in Sydney in the former home of the Property Council of Australia at 11 Barrack place. The club's building was first occupied in 1858 by The State Savings Bank of New South Wales and was also home to the Commonwealth Bank. The venue is being billed as a new style of space for Australia's male and female business community, aiming to create an environment where 'leaders can connect and collaborate'. Co-founded by Tank Stream Labs chief executive Bradley Delamare and Emma Blomfield, founder of EB Design Studio, the club has four levels. Its ground floor dining and bar – the recently opened two-hatted Eleven Barack by The Bentley Group – is overseen by Brent Savage and head chefs Aiden Stevens and Niro Richards. A feature of the new club is its collection of Australian and international art works. They include big names like Louise Olsen, Catherine Clayton-Smith, Diena Georgetti, Damien Hirst, Isaac Julien, Andy Warhol, Nick Modrzewski, Jude Cohen, Guy Bourdin, Tracey Emin and British artists Tim Noble & Sue Webster.
