It's hoped the long-vacant Empire Hotel site in Newcastle West will soon be developed.
The derelict hotel on Hunter Street was demolished in 2011 - at the time it was being touted as a site for a communications hub for emergency services - but this never eventuated.
The hotel closed in February 2003 and there have been numerous proposals put forward since 2004, when a 12-storey apartment development called Knightsbridge Towers was approved, which included retaining the heritage facade of the former building.
The Catholic Church bought the site in 2014 and now has had plans approved for a 14-storey apartment block including retail and commercial space.
Some of the units will be used to provide affordable rental accommodation.
 | |
| Former Empire Hotel |
 | |
| The Empire Hotel In Its Heyday |
 |
| Artists Impression Of Development Porposal |
