The topping out ceremony for Newcastle council'ss new home on Stewart Avenue will take place this afternoon with CEO Jeremy Bath attending, with Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes set to sign the final beam.
Council has entered into an agreement for an office space of 5000 square metres for 15 years, at 12 Stewart Avenue which is known as "Gateway 2", for its location at the CBD's entry point.
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| 12 Stewart Avenue, Newcastle West. Image: CoreProject Group |
Jeremy Bath says, "being located opposite the Newcastle Interchange in the middle of the future CBD, the more-sustainable council HQ will enable greater collaboration and also offer off-street parking for ratepayers."
Currently, Council's administrative staff are spread across four different buildings, including, the 1970s City Administration Centre, City Hall, the old Fred Ash warehouse and another premise several hundred metres away at 473 Hunter St.
Many benefits are to come from the move according to the council.
"After analysing the best way forward, it became clear that we needed to centralise and move to a new facility for the benefit of both ratepayers and staff."
"Council will save up to $14,000 every year per staff member by moving from four buildings into one modern building," Mr Bath said.
The one-off $7 million cost of the relocation compares favourably to the $6 million investment that would have been made if council chose to stay and update inefficient buildings with a combined age of over 140 years.
