Catholic Church Under Fire For Sale of Former Empire Hotel

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

The Maitland-Newcastle Diocese has come under fire for selling the former Empire Hotel site where they had planned to construct affordable housing.

Diocese Vice Chancellor Administration, Sean Scanlon, says a 'frenzy of activity' within the local building industry has raised construction costs, and building affordable housing on the Hunter Street site became infeasible.

Labor Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen has accused the Church of 'land-banking' by selling the property after receiving approval to build in December, but Mr Scanlon denied the accusation.

He says the decision to sell came down to struggles with cost constraints and a lack of support.

"(Construction costs were) something like $7 million higher than we first anticipated. That made the project effectively unviable," said Mr Scanlon.

"It needs to be viable to be affordable to the ultimate recipients of that housing, and that made it extremely difficult for this to work."

The Church was successful in having infrastructure provision fees discounted due to the affordable housing component of the project, but extra financial help was denied by the Hunter Development Corporation and Newcastle City Council.

"We didn't look to sell this, necessarily," explained Mr Scanlon. "Without us prompting, the builders then approached us to see whether we would be willing to sell the property to them,"

"It seemed like a sensible thing for us to do."

The Catholic Church received a $5.5 million profit from the sale, which Mr Scanlon says will ultimately be put towards funding more positive activities in the community.

The Former Empire Hotel site on Hunter Street. Picture: theherald.com.au

Newcastle Council Making a City-Change

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle City Council is making a city-change, moving its administrative headquarters to a new building in Newcastle West.

Council's 400 admin staff will start to move into the building in 2019 to the new five-level building which will be on the corner of Hunter Street and Stuart Avenue.

It'll cost council $7 million dollars to relocate, but Interim CEO Jeremy Bath said it's going to create long-term savings.

"Council was faced with a $6.3 million bill if we chose to stay in our current location of roundhouse and specifically the Frederick Ash building. We estimate savings will be in the vicinity of up to $14,000 per relocated employee,"

Artist impression of the new Council building Image supplied

"The majority of those savings will come about as a result of substantially improved productivity, reduced absenteeism and also a significant reduction in turnover," said Jeremy Bath.

Council says they'll be making savings by reducing absenteeism within the council staff which has been the case at other councils like Melbourne and Ryde.

"For example seeing a 41 per cent reduction in absenteeism. Absenteeism at Newcastle City Council costs us in the vicinity of about $2.5 million per year so if we're able to bring that down by around 40 per cent, we're looking at savings straight off the bat of $1 million every single year," said Jeremy Bath.

The building will form a part of council's Smart City Plan and will be on lease to council for 15 years.

Where there are savings, there will also be benefits to the nature of the work council does and how they do it.

Interim CEO Jeremy Bath & Lord Mayor
Nuatali Nelmes.

"We're dealing with 1970s technology and 1970s workforce layout. It frankly is too difficult to collaborate and communicate because your own teammates aren't beside you, they're not on the same floor and they're often not in the same building.," said Jeremy Bath.

The decision has also been applauded by the Hunter Business Chamber who see the benefits for council and also the possibilities for what can happen with the buildings council staff are moving out of.

"After such a long period of time the workspace has become difficult to adapt and we're aware council was stretched over a number of buildings in the CBD and that in turn no matter what you do about it does impact productivity," Chamber CEO Bob Hawes.

Government Adamant it's Short Term Pain for Long-Term Gain in Newcastle

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle's Light Rail Project is completely different to the Light Rail Project underway in Sydney's CBD according to the state government.

It's why they disagree businesses on Hunter Street should be given rental assistance to compensate for the disruption the project has caused.

Sydney's project on George Street has been drawn out for some time and the rental reprieve plan for businesses was announced in August after sustained pressure with the project running overtime by years in some sections. The businesses in the identified construction zones had to prove their financial losses to be eligible.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said he knows businesses are struggling but it's not like the construction came with no warning.

"We told businesses as early as two years ago, that when this gets underway businesses will feel the pain, there's no question about it and at that time 18 months, 2 years ago I said people should be planning, they should be talking to their landlords, they should be talking to their customers and preparing themselves for it," said Scot MacDonald.

Some businesses in Hunter Street have reported losses of up to 30 per cent.

Hunter Business Chamber CEO Bob Hawes says he's not aware of the exact agreement Sydney businesses are in, but he feels Newcastle should be given the opportunity to have some rent relief.

"But we do believe that if the evidence is there and there is a strong case that can be built that we would hope the government would be objective enough to at least listen or look at it, and appreciate that there might be circumstance there that suggest it might be different to Sydney."

In the end, Scot MacDonald said it should be short time loss for a very long-term gain.

"look we'd like to believe that when we come out of this in 18 months or 2 years time or so since we are progressing through in blocks fairly quickly or reasonably quickly, that we come out at the end of and there is a city there, a CBD there, that people will delight coming to," said Scot MacDonald.

Woman Charged Over Alleged Involvement in Cannabis Grow House

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A 44-year-old woman will face Newcastle Local Court today for her alleged involvement in a cannabis grow house.

She was arrested yesterday afternoon at a business in Kotara in relation to the investigation.

The woman was refused bail and charged with knowingly direct activities of a criminal group.

As well as the woman's arrest, police executed a search warrant at a Hunter Street address yesterday where a number of items were seized for forensic examination.

It comes after police uncovered an elaborate hydroponic set-up and a large number of cannabis plants at a commercial premises on Steel Street, Newcastle West on Tuesday.

Investigations are continuing.

Cannabis Plants uncovered on Tuesday Image NSW Police Force

Cannabis uncovered on Tuesday
Image NSW Police Force

"This Government Needs to Get their Act Together": Newcastle MP on Transport Strategy

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp is demanding the government get their act together with a transport strategy for the Newcastle 500.

The Supercars race is only four weeks away and the government is yet to release a plan for how 150,000 visitors, as well as residents, will be travelling around the city.

Tim Crakanthorp said Newcastle is already dealing with a terrible transport system, so the sooner a plan is put together the better.

"Keolis Downer has a terrible record of running the buses in the city since they've taken over we're got nothing but problems. The drivers haven't been being paid properly, we've got superannuation issues, we've got school children being left on the side of the road. it's an absolute disgrace."

Keolis Downer will be faced with a myriad of challenges.

Hunter Street is closed for light rail construction forcing traffic along King Street, Wharf Road will be closed from Argyle Street during the race and racegoers who use the train service will be jumping off at the new Wickham interchange and travelling the remaining distance on a bus, by foot or on a bike.

Tim Crakanthorp said if people come and they can't get around, they may not ever come back to visit again.

"If they come here and its gridlock, I don't think they'll be coming back so we really need this government to get their act together, get this plan, work with Keolis Downer who have a terrible record at this point, and make sure the people of Newcastle can be confident that their beautiful city will be on display and people can actually see the race,"

"Now this minister needs to get very organised for this race because at the moment it's looking pretty damn difficult and I would say that this government needs to come out very quickly with a very good plan with Keolis Downer," said Tim Crakanthorp.

UPDATED: Man Arrested Over Alleged Stabbing Near Newcastle Post Office

BY IAN CROUCH

Police have arrested and charged a man over an alleged stabbing incident outside the former Newcastle Post Office.

Emergency services were called to the corner of Hunter and Bolton Streets at about 9.00pm on Thursday where they found a man with a stab wound to his abdomen.

The 33-year-old was rushed to the John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

Police say they've now arrested and charged a man over the incident.

A 46-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.


He's been refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 20 October 2017).

It's believed the men knew each other.

More road closures in Newcastle's CBD

BY JESSICA ROUSE

It could be a short-term headache for Newcastle drivers with part of Stewart Avenue closed for light rail preparation works this weekend.

The road between Hunter Street and Honeysuckle Drive will be closed from 7pm tonight until 5am on Monday.

There will be closures again the following weekend - Friday 25th to Monday 28th August - between the same times.

There will be diversions in place via Parry Street, Hunter Street and Albert Street at Wickham.

It doesn't stop there, there'll be single lane closures from 7pm Friday 1st September to 5am Monday 4th September - weather permitting.

It's all a part of the $500 million the NSW Government is investing through the Revitalising Newcastle program.

Pizza Hut workers shortchanged

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A Pizza Hut franchise in Newcastle has been caught out for underpaying staff.

Fair Work has found the Hunter Street outlet underpaid 24 workers including international staff $20,000 over a six month period.

The employees were casuals and all aged between 16 and 20 years. Four of the workers were underpaid more than $3,000, with one employee underpaid nearly $4,800.

Pizza Hut is being slammed by the Fair Work Ombudsman for failing to take action over the underpayment of its staff. It's not the first time, ombudsman Natalie James says they've been working with the fast food chain as a whole on a range of issues.

"We've been talking about the fact that 28 out of 32 of the stores we audited recently were not correctly paying their delivery drivers and now we're seeing vulnerable in-store staff also being underpaid."

She believes there also needs to be more transparency.

"Certainly we'd like a meaningful commitment from Pizza Hut to step up, to work with us with a transparent arrangement that is designed to ensure that every worker serving us pizzas, delivering those pizzas from Pizza Hut are being paid correctly."

Image foursquare.com

Interpretation plan to pay respect to 'The Store' past

BY JARROD MELMETH

Revitalising Newcastle say a move by the State Government to demolish 'The Store' building, to make way for a bus and coach terminal as part of the Newcastle Interchange project will pay respect to the history of the site.

Records illustrate the significance of the building which reflects an important aspect of the socio-economical system of the region, once standing as Newcastle's premier shopping destination until the 1960's.

News of the demolition has sparked a range of emotions from the wider community, with some saying developments like these happen way too often where buildings are left to stand bare for so long and then be deemed "structurally unsafe", torn down and, turned into the next revitalization venture.

Plans for the site include an interpretation plan which, according to program director Michael Cassel will aim to capture the essence of the sites former use.

"Interpretation plans really try to reflect the way in which a site was used and why there is such a connection. Historically it has been a place of gathering for the people of Newcastle, so we are trying to reflect that through different things like public art, story boards and information rather than just a plain facade, something that tells you a story so you can understand the importance of the site.

"We have come up with what we think is the best option," Mr Cassel said.

The decision has also been supported by the Hunter Business Chamber with Chamber President Jonathan Vandervoort applauding the next step being taken in the revitalisation of Newcastle.

"Back in 2015, the Chamber celebrated the State Government's acquisition of The Store building as a positive step forward to deliver an opportunity to add to the amenity of the current interchange design and provide a range of useful opportunities.

"Although The Store has been an important part of Newcastle West for many years, the Chamber notes the buildings are in poor condition and are a possible safety hazard in their current state," Mr

The Store as it stands today.

Newcastle Interchange under construction
at the rear of  'The Store'.

NeW Space Open Day tomorrow

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The University of Newcastle's NeW Space Building certainly stands out in the CBD from the outside, and tomorrow you can go and see how unique it is on the inside as well.

Image supplied UoN

An open day will be on tomorrow from 10am 'til 2pm with the university hosting information sessions, a pop up law clinic, student showcases from the School of Creative Industries and architects and builders will be there to explain why the building looks the way it does.

Business and Law Faculty Manager Kate Ramzen-Levy loves the new building and says not only are the views phenomenal but the learning spaces are great as well.

"We also have the builders who will be presenting on what was the inspiration for NeW Space. I think the building is a bit of an icon for the CBD of Newcastle and its got such a nod to all of its surroundings so there are some fantastic sightlines to city hall to the harbour foreshore and also back to Callaghan."

Staff have already been working in the building for a couple of weeks and students will start learning there from next week at the beginning of Semester Two. Kate says the learning experience students will get won't be better than the experience on Callaghan, it will be different - a very good different.

"I think that it's very accessible to the public, it opened to the public this week, we've seen a lot of members of the public and students wandering  through and taking advantage of the fantastic views across the city. But I do think it's going to have a really important place into the CBD of Newcastle," said Kate.

New road to help ease the oncoming congestion

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Revitalising Newcastle is working to make driving around the CBD a little easier.

Construction is underway on a new road connecting Honeysuckle Drive and Hunter Street at Worth Place. The idea is that the new road will assist traffic flow in the city centre during light rail construction and when light rail is operational.

The work is due to be completed in the coming weeks.

Another road connection will be built at Steel Street next year.

Michael Cassel says "we are transforming the way people move around the city".

Image supplied.

The Premier is coming to Newcastle

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Premier Gladys Berejiklian is in Newcastle today to speak with business owners about the state budget and how it will affect them and the whole Hunter region.

The Premier will also no doubt be grilled on the disruption in the city with the Light Rail project and Newcastle 500 preparation underway.

Some business owners on parts of Hunter and Watt Street will be after answers from the Premier with Ausgrid announcing they'll be cutting off power this Saturday for eight hours.

The power is scheduled to be out between 8:30am and 4:30pm so street lights can be replaced in preparation for the V8 race in November.

Businesses are worried about the loss of power during the day, and on a weekend, fearing they will lose a lot of business with electronic EFTPOS payments not able to be put through when there's no power.

Fairfax reports some businesses get more than 80 per cent of their sales through EFTPOS at their store.

Image smh.com.au

Police arrest graffiti culprits overnight in Newcastle

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police have arrested six men in Newcastle overnight after they were allegedly caught breaking into a building on Hunter Street and spraying graffiti.

Police were called to the scene just after midnight where they found the men on the roof of a building spray painting the building adjacent with graffiti.

A 17-year-old man was among those arrested as well as a 26, 25, 28, 18 and a 38-year-old.

All six offenders were granted strict conditional bail and charged with malicious damage and trespass charges.

They'll face Newcastle Local Court at a later date.

The closer light rail construction comes, the more worried businesses get.

BY JESSICA ROUSE

There are renewed concerns for Hunter Street businesses as light rail construction looms in the Newcastle CBD.

Sections of Hunter Street will start to be closed off in September when work begins which is when most businesses say they're worried they'll feel the pinch.

Newcastle isn't the first city to go through the business upset with the plight mirroring some retailers on George Street in Sydney which has been a construction zone for around two years.

The government say they're prepared to adapt their plans if things go awry, but MP Tim Crakanthorp says even then a lot of small businesses just won't be able to survive.

Image www.newcastlenow.org.au

With up to 1,000 car parks disappearing and essentially one lane of traffic being taken away as well, Tim Crakanthorp just can't see it working for everyone.

"I think if you can stick it out for that period of time and only perhaps the bigger businesses can do that, there will be benefits at the end of it but then again they're also deeply concerned about the parking."

On the other hand, Program Director of Revitalising Newcastle Michael Cassel says they're doing as much as they can to ensure businesses don't lose out.

"We're doing a lot with businesses, we've employed precinct managers, we're working very hard to make sure businesses thrive through this period. We've got lots of activities, we're bringing more people back to the city during that period of disruption and we will pop out the other end with a much-improved transport system."

Light Rail Project To Begin This Year

BY IAN CROUCH

The state government has confirmed construction of the first stage of Newcastle's light rail project will begin in September.

The work will get under way in Hunter Street and will be completed in stages.

Hunter Street will be closed between Auckland and Darby Streets until the end of the year.

Although it will create disruptions for traffic, the government says the construction will be completed three months earlier than originally expected.

It's expected trams will start running on the line by early 2019.

Transport Minister makes big announcements for Newcastle

BY RACHEL STORER

The Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Andrew Constance was today in Newcastle to join the Minister for Planning, Anthony Roberts and Parliamentary Secretary, Scot MacDonald for a press conference regarding the revitalisation of the city.

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Andrew Constance.

Mr Constance made two announcements today: the first about the Newcastle light rail and the second about "The Store" site on Hunter Street.

Newcastle will be home to an exciting Australian first - wire-free light rail.

"This is technology tried and tested overseas in places like France. The energy for the vehicle will be stored onboard and there will be charge points at the stations," Mr Constance said.

"It means Hunter Street won't have any overhead wiring and that will add to the aesthetic value of the Hunter Street precinct."

Mr Constance followed this with the announcement that the "The Store" site on Hunter Street is being taken to market, gathering expressions of interest on how best to use the space.

The state government bought the site in 2015 and has remained practically silent on its plans until now.

"My expectations are to look for the best use but also incorporate a bus and coach interchange, coupled with some commercial opportunities which will, of course, interface incredibly well with the new Wickham interchange," Mr Constance said.

"We'll see the old, run-down car park being removed along with some of the dilapidated, old buildings and that will enable us to progress with the new precinct."

Mr Constance said he was very excited and pleased to be able to make these announcements today.