Call for Wickham School of Arts to be Included in Final Honeysuckle Plans

BY OLIVIA DILLON

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp is calling on the NSW Government to ensure the former Wickham School of Arts building is included in the final development plans for Honeysuckle. 

The call follows a lengthy campaign from Mr Crakanthorp, council and community groups, which has already resulted in many repairs to the building's plumbing and exterior. 

The site stands on a section of land adjacent to the light rail stabling yard, and is part of the final three hectares of land open for expressions of interest from development partners. 

The 1882 building's local claim to fame includes its housing of 16-year-old bush poet Henry Lawson during his time working for Hudson Brothers in Wickham. 

However, no commitment has been made by the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC), to feature the building in their final precinct plans. 

Mr Crakanthorp continues to headline the campaign, and said the community clearly wants to see the building honoured. 

"The former Wickham School of Arts has local heritage significance and the community has been very clear that they want to see this heritage retained and honoured," he said. 

Image: Hunter Living Histories