University Of Newcastle Announces International Hotel School

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The University of Newcastle has announced plans to open an International Hotel School, in order to address job shortages within the region's tourism and hospitality industries.  

The program will allow TAFE students undertaking an advanced diploma, to partner their studies with a bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Tourism and Events. 

It comes in line with a national shortage of more than 400,000 jobs in the sector, and a 30% shortage in the region alone. 

Pro Vice Chancellor of the College of Human and Social Futures Professor John Fischetti, said the expansion of Newcastle airport will bring about the need for more industry workers. 

He also said jobs in the sector should be guaranteed, given the shortage. 

"We believe we now have a seamless pathway, with placements each semester in-industry, so this is a very practical, hands-on degree. It will prepare you to run your own business, to work for a major hotel chain, work on a cruise ship, or to help scope out the major new eco-tourism and other things happening in the Hunter," Professor Fischetti said. 

There are currently about 30 students enrolled in the program, with plans to expand the degree to 150-200 students, and potentially establish a physical hotel in the city. 

"This would allow students to work in the University of Newcastle hotel to be able to do their work-integrated learning. Either way, all of our students will be placed in industry partnerships from the beginning, all the way through their degree," Professor Fuschetti said. 

$44 Million Hotel and Office Development Approved for Honeysuckle Precinct

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The NSW Government has approved a $44 million hotel and office development along the Newcastle waterfront in the Honeysuckle Precinct.

The site at 42 Honeysuckle Drive is set to be transformed into a nine storey mixed-use development including an office tower and a 187-room boutique hotel with a café, bar, gym, and car parking.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes says the development will meet the demands of the rising popularity of domestic travel.

“The Honeysuckle Precinct has undergone a major facelift in recent years as more than 50 hectares of former industrial and maritime land has been transformed into a centre for entertainment, tourism, employment and recreation,” Mr Stokes said.

The project is also set to create 1,000 new jobs in construction and support 60 ongoing jobs after completion.

Construction will begin later this year and is expected to be completed by 2023.

Man Flees Covid-19 Quarantine in Sydney, And Catches Train to Newcastle

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A man will face court on Wednesday, after escaping Covid-19 quarantine in Sydney and catching a train to Newcastle.

Officers from Sydney were alerted  on August 7th,  after a man absconded from his room in a hotel in Mascot.

Police began searching for the man and tracked him to Central Railway Station where he had caught a train north to Newcastle Railway Station.

He was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station about 3am on Saturday August 8.

The 31-year-old man, from Thurgoona, was charged with not complying with a noticed direction and failing to comply with a public health order requirement.

He was refused bail at Newcastle Bail Court and is next due to appear at Central Local Court on Wednesday.

Cambridge Hotel for sale

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Newcastle's iconic live music venue, The Cambridge Hotel, is for sale.

After two decades, the owners are seeking expressions of interest from developers.

A concept plan, designed by architect Jon Webber, has been drawn up for a high-rise apartment complex which could eventually be built on the Hunter Street site. The concept plan was created in order to show developers one potential use of the site, which has a height limit of 60 metres.

"It's time for the site to fall in line with what's happening in Newcastle West," says Cambridge co-owner John Palmieri.

"It's a prime gateway site to Newcastle West and with what's happening with The Store across the road. So it's an ideal opportunity for the site to fulfil its true potential."

Mr Palmieri says he would be happy to see the site transformed for residential use as in the concept plan, however, would like the buyers to consider incorporating a hotel within the precinct. He believes a live music venue could co-exist with residential use.

"It's the way you configure it that's most important...it's how you put the architecture in place to soundproof it. It certainly can be done; it's happening in Sydney all the time so I don't see why it couldn't happen in Newcastle."

Regardless of what developers eventually do with The Cambridge site, it seems as though last drinks are a long way off. In a statement on social media, hotel management explained there is still six years remaining on their lease, and they "have no intentions of going anywhere anytime soon," saying "it is clear to us that Newcastle loves live music, or any music for that matter. We love music too, and have no intention of shutting this party down."

As well as boasting performances from headline acts such as The Screaming Jets, Powderfinger and Silverchair, The Cambridge has also played an important role in the fostering of new talent, with many local bands playing at the venue, prompting concerns that emerging musicians may suffer from the Hotel's eventual closure.

Will St Claire, a member of local band, Split Feed, says there is a unique atmosphere at the Cambridge which makes playing there so enjoyable.

"It's just a lot different to many of the other venues in Newcastle where you're just playing for your mates in a smaller pub scene," Will says, "And now, in the past year or two [since renovations took place] the side bar has become the go-to place for local bands. The Cambridge is the centrepiece of the local scene.

"There's The Lass, Small Ballroom and Hamilton Station aswell, but The Cambridge is always the premiere venue."

John Palmieri hopes that in the years to come, developers will have time to think about their plans for the site, and if necessary, local musicians will find an alternative venue to play at.

Artist's impression of a potential residential high-rise on The Cambridge site. Image source: Newcastle Herald.