Newcastle Council has voted to move its fortnightly meetings to its new office on Stewart Avenue.
The relocation comes despite earlier spending on the current meeting place, City Hall, totalling $12.5 million for restoration works to its iconic clock face and sandstone exterior.
$7 million is being spent on the relocation of 400 Council staff to the Gateway 2 building, with Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes telling her colleagues it makes sense for administrative employees and Councillors to work in the same place.
Greens Councillor John Mackenzie was in the minority voting against the move and said it's yet unclear who'll move into the City Hall space.
"This is a question that's unresolved at this point," he said, "and I think that's part of the reason the decision to move was a bit premature."
However, Cr Mackenzie is pleased City Hall's heritage features will be preserved into the future.
"We're setting up a working group which will consist of myself, Lord Mayor Nelmes and Deputy Lord Mayor Clausen to talk about how we'll use the building in a way which preserves its heritage and make sure we're getting it on the State Heritage Register," Cr Mackenzie said.
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| Council's new HQ on the corner of Hunter St and Stewart Ave. |
