Ready to deliver: Newcastle Post Office revival wins fresh approval
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.
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