Latest news with #NewcastlePostOffice
Sydney Morning Herald
03-07-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Chemist Warehouse billionaires buy up big in Mosman
The campaign to sell The Ronan generated 149 enquiries from developers, investors, and automotive occupiers, said Lachlan Worthington and Tim Fox from PropertyFox. The complex was ultimately snapped up by a local private investor. Hot spot Bustling Newcastle has become the hot spot for property rich listers and philanthropists alike, who are joining an investment conga line heading north. They include billionaires Dr Jerry Schwartz and former banker-turned-art collector Simon Mordant. Having been dormant for many years, the northern NSW capital is undergoing a resurgence with billions of dollars of capital pouring in as the population swells. In the past week, the NSW government announced a $1 million heritage grant to help revive Newcastle's grand old dame, the Newcastle Post Office. After a protracted ownership history, Schwartz purchased the building in 2019 for $3.5 million through Colliers. Under the Schwartz Family Company, it will match the government funding dollar for dollar to transform the Newcastle Post Office into a community hub with retail, hospitality and event spaces. The 1903 Federation-style building designed by Walter Liberty Vernon will include an adaptive reuse to create a miniature 1960s display of Newcastle, and Australia's first Aboriginal medical museum. Loading Schwartz said he bought the Newcastle Post Office 'because of my deep connections to the city and the desire to revitalise an iconic heritage building that means so much to local residents'. Meanwhile, Mordant, who made his mark as an investment banker on high-profile mergers and acquisitions and now lives in Italy with his wife Catriona, will pass on 25 works from the couple's private collection to the Newcastle Art Gallery when it reopens in September after an extensive expansion. The donation includes works on paper by Ngarrindjeri artist Ian Abdulla, a collage of digital print and oil by John Young and sculptures by Novocastrian artist Jamie North. The Duke changes hands Pub baron John Azar has extended his footprint in the booming sector, paying $25 million for the popular Duke of Dural pub in Sydney's west. The pub was sold by Momento Hospitality, which is owned and operated by the Colosimo family, who built the Duke from the ground up during the global pandemic and opened it in November 2020. Momento will use the cash to focus on its other assets including the newly opened Oran Park Hotel. Sitting on 2700 square metres within the Dural Town Centre in The Hills district, the Duke pub generates more than $150,000 in weekly sales across food, beverage, and pokie machines. Azar's stable includes the Hotel Coronation, Keg & Brew Hotel in Surry Hills, and the Edinburgh Castle Hotel. He recently sold the Union Hotel in North Sydney to fellow pub investor Ashton Waugh. JLL Hotels' Ben McDonald and John Musca managed the Dural deal. Sheds sell Stockland has struck a deal to sell four institutional-grade logistics sheds in two of Australia's most tightly held industrial markets to Cadence Property Group for $170.5 million. The portfolio in Melbourne and Sydney has a total site area of about 159,000 sq m and lease space of about 78,000 sq m.
The Age
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Age
Chemist Warehouse billionaires buy up big in Mosman
The campaign to sell The Ronan generated 149 enquiries from developers, investors, and automotive occupiers, said Lachlan Worthington and Tim Fox from PropertyFox. The complex was ultimately snapped up by a local private investor. Hot spot Bustling Newcastle has become the hot spot for property rich listers and philanthropists alike, who are joining an investment conga line heading north. They include billionaires Dr Jerry Schwartz and former banker-turned-art collector Simon Mordant. Having been dormant for many years, the northern NSW capital is undergoing a resurgence with billions of dollars of capital pouring in as the population swells. In the past week, the NSW government announced a $1 million heritage grant to help revive Newcastle's grand old dame, the Newcastle Post Office. After a protracted ownership history, Schwartz purchased the building in 2019 for $3.5 million through Colliers. Under the Schwartz Family Company, it will match the government funding dollar for dollar to transform the Newcastle Post Office into a community hub with retail, hospitality and event spaces. The 1903 Federation-style building designed by Walter Liberty Vernon will include an adaptive reuse to create a miniature 1960s display of Newcastle, and Australia's first Aboriginal medical museum. Loading Schwartz said he bought the Newcastle Post Office 'because of my deep connections to the city and the desire to revitalise an iconic heritage building that means so much to local residents'. Meanwhile, Mordant, who made his mark as an investment banker on high-profile mergers and acquisitions and now lives in Italy with his wife Catriona, will pass on 25 works from the couple's private collection to the Newcastle Art Gallery when it reopens in September after an extensive expansion. The donation includes works on paper by Ngarrindjeri artist Ian Abdulla, a collage of digital print and oil by John Young and sculptures by Novocastrian artist Jamie North. The Duke changes hands Pub baron John Azar has extended his footprint in the booming sector, paying $25 million for the popular Duke of Dural pub in Sydney's west. The pub was sold by Momento Hospitality, which is owned and operated by the Colosimo family, who built the Duke from the ground up during the global pandemic and opened it in November 2020. Momento will use the cash to focus on its other assets including the newly opened Oran Park Hotel. Sitting on 2700 square metres within the Dural Town Centre in The Hills district, the Duke pub generates more than $150,000 in weekly sales across food, beverage, and pokie machines. Azar's stable includes the Hotel Coronation, Keg & Brew Hotel in Surry Hills, and the Edinburgh Castle Hotel. He recently sold the Union Hotel in North Sydney to fellow pub investor Ashton Waugh. JLL Hotels' Ben McDonald and John Musca managed the Dural deal. Sheds sell Stockland has struck a deal to sell four institutional-grade logistics sheds in two of Australia's most tightly held industrial markets to Cadence Property Group for $170.5 million. The portfolio in Melbourne and Sydney has a total site area of about 159,000 sq m and lease space of about 78,000 sq m.
The Advertiser
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Newcastle sites receive state's largest ever heritage grants
Newcastle Post Office and the Victoria Theatre have each been awarded a $1 million grant aimed at preserving the heritage of the state significant sites. The two projects have received a major Activating State Heritage Grant - the largest grants ever awarded under the decades-long program. It is aimed at helping the post office and the theatre re-open their doors to the public, reinstating them as cornerstone attractions in Newcastle. The grants are part of a record $8.65 million awarded to 140 recipients to boost the protection and restoration of heritage sites across NSW, under the 2025-27 NSW Heritage Grants Program. Other recipients include Maitland Town Hall, Birubi Point Aboriginal Place and East Maitland's Glebe Cemetery. The state government has increased the total investment by $2.65 million from the previous round. Almost 90 councils will also receive $25,000 to fund heritage initiatives at the local level. Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe said the government wanted to preserve "the historic places that matter the most - whether it is iconic buildings, local landmarks or sites of deep Aboriginal cultural significance". "Our many and diverse heritage places tell the stories of NSW," she said. "These grants will help ensure these special places are restored and protected for more people to enjoy. "These heritage sites will also be a drawcard for visitors and beacons for local communities into the future." Newcastle Post Office and the Victoria Theatre have each been awarded a $1 million grant aimed at preserving the heritage of the state significant sites. The two projects have received a major Activating State Heritage Grant - the largest grants ever awarded under the decades-long program. It is aimed at helping the post office and the theatre re-open their doors to the public, reinstating them as cornerstone attractions in Newcastle. The grants are part of a record $8.65 million awarded to 140 recipients to boost the protection and restoration of heritage sites across NSW, under the 2025-27 NSW Heritage Grants Program. Other recipients include Maitland Town Hall, Birubi Point Aboriginal Place and East Maitland's Glebe Cemetery. The state government has increased the total investment by $2.65 million from the previous round. Almost 90 councils will also receive $25,000 to fund heritage initiatives at the local level. Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe said the government wanted to preserve "the historic places that matter the most - whether it is iconic buildings, local landmarks or sites of deep Aboriginal cultural significance". "Our many and diverse heritage places tell the stories of NSW," she said. "These grants will help ensure these special places are restored and protected for more people to enjoy. "These heritage sites will also be a drawcard for visitors and beacons for local communities into the future." Newcastle Post Office and the Victoria Theatre have each been awarded a $1 million grant aimed at preserving the heritage of the state significant sites. The two projects have received a major Activating State Heritage Grant - the largest grants ever awarded under the decades-long program. It is aimed at helping the post office and the theatre re-open their doors to the public, reinstating them as cornerstone attractions in Newcastle. The grants are part of a record $8.65 million awarded to 140 recipients to boost the protection and restoration of heritage sites across NSW, under the 2025-27 NSW Heritage Grants Program. Other recipients include Maitland Town Hall, Birubi Point Aboriginal Place and East Maitland's Glebe Cemetery. The state government has increased the total investment by $2.65 million from the previous round. Almost 90 councils will also receive $25,000 to fund heritage initiatives at the local level. Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe said the government wanted to preserve "the historic places that matter the most - whether it is iconic buildings, local landmarks or sites of deep Aboriginal cultural significance". "Our many and diverse heritage places tell the stories of NSW," she said. "These grants will help ensure these special places are restored and protected for more people to enjoy. "These heritage sites will also be a drawcard for visitors and beacons for local communities into the future." Newcastle Post Office and the Victoria Theatre have each been awarded a $1 million grant aimed at preserving the heritage of the state significant sites. The two projects have received a major Activating State Heritage Grant - the largest grants ever awarded under the decades-long program. It is aimed at helping the post office and the theatre re-open their doors to the public, reinstating them as cornerstone attractions in Newcastle. The grants are part of a record $8.65 million awarded to 140 recipients to boost the protection and restoration of heritage sites across NSW, under the 2025-27 NSW Heritage Grants Program. Other recipients include Maitland Town Hall, Birubi Point Aboriginal Place and East Maitland's Glebe Cemetery. The state government has increased the total investment by $2.65 million from the previous round. Almost 90 councils will also receive $25,000 to fund heritage initiatives at the local level. Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe said the government wanted to preserve "the historic places that matter the most - whether it is iconic buildings, local landmarks or sites of deep Aboriginal cultural significance". "Our many and diverse heritage places tell the stories of NSW," she said. "These grants will help ensure these special places are restored and protected for more people to enjoy. "These heritage sites will also be a drawcard for visitors and beacons for local communities into the future."
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.
