Council Demands Answers on Newcastle Post Office

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Council has called for an urgent meeting with Newcastle Post Office owner Dr Jerry Schwartz on the progress of the historic site's restoration.

Dr Schwartz bought the building in 2018 for $3.5 million, and has received a $1 million heritage grant for its refurbishment. 

However, the long-awaited restoration must begin before April 8, before the current five-year development consent lapses. 

Councillor Clausen says if the consent lapses, they'll be back at square one. 

"Dr Schwartz needs to progress and secure a construction certificate for the site in order to enable physical works to commence," he explained. 

"If that process hasn't already commenced, that is an enormous ask and I'm very concerned that it's not going to be achievable within the timeframe. 

"Consent dates are hard and fast, they can't be moved by Council.

"If nothing happens, it will lead to unfortunately years of further decline and no clear path for the restoration and upgrade of that building.

"I think it's incumbent on him to demonstrate to the community how he intends to do that and to show that it is not just sitting there as some form of speculative land banking." 

Councillor Clausen, along with Paige Johnson, Peta Winney-Baartz, Elizabeth Adamczyk, and Deahnna Richardson will put forward a notice of motion at Tuesday night's Council meeting, noting the strong community connection to the building. 

Picture: Newcastle Post Office

Newcastle Council Warns Schwartz to Focus on Post Office, Not Carousel

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." 

Sold!: Fresh Hope For Former Newcastle Post Office

BY IAN  CROUCH

There's fresh hope for the future of the former Newcastle Post Office.

The Herald reports the Awabakal Aboriginal Land Council approved the sale of the iconic building last night to hotel mogul, Dr Jerry Schwartz for $3.5 million.

He wants to turn the building's first floor into a function centre.

The ground floor is expected to feature wedding retail outlets like dress shops, florists and photographers, while the basement is likely to be used as an Aboriginal  cultural area.

Work could commence before Christmas.

The Historic Newcastle Post Office Set To Be Re-purposed