BY OLI GOELDNER
Amid a legal battle between property tycoon Dr Jerry Schwartz and City of Newcastle, council are urging for action to be taken on Newcastle Post Office.
The owner of Rydges Hotel and the historic post office Dr Schwartz is in the process of taking council to the Lands and Environment Court over their refusal of his plans to build a merry-go-round on Newcastle Harbour.
Both council and Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe have voiced their concern for the lack of progress on the inner-city building.
Dr Schwartz purchased Newcastle Post Office seven years ago from the Awabakal Aboriginal Land Council for $3.5 million.
Last year, he received a $1 million government grant to reopen the building, which came with a two-year deadline.
However, councilor Declan Clausen is worried the funds will not eventuate to any progress.
"I think it will be a really poor outcome for there to be no progress and for that money to be then repaid to the state as a result of those conditions not being met," he said.
"So, I'm hopeful that it's a successful strategy in trying to get some momentum to see the post office restored."
He further stated the current legal battle is will come at the cost of ratepayers.
"I think the merry-go-round is a smaller item in a broader discussion," he added.
"I'd really prefer that Dr Schwartz on the post office and it's restoration and revitalisation.
"Putting a lot of effort into a merry-go-round that didn't receive planning approval because it's not consistent with the zoning of that part of the city is a really poor outcome."
