Japanese University To Set Up First International Campus In Newcastle

BY IAN CROUCH

It's been revealed a Japanese university was the mystery buyer of the former Newcastle Court House.

The Herald reports Nihon University wants to turn the heritage-listed building into its first international campus.

It will include classrooms for up to 200 local and international students, a library and a 100-bed dormitory.

Newcastle was chosen for it's splendid environment and low crime rate, making it an ideal location for students to pursue their study and research in peace of mind.

Another factor was the time difference between Japan and Australia, which is only slight, and travel between the two countries doesn't involve extremely long journeys.

The Former Newcastle Courthouse

Fears For Newcastle's Old Courthouse

BY IAN CROUCH

Almost 4 months since the opening of the new $90 million court complex in Hunter Street, there's still no word on the fate of the former courthouse in Church Street.

The state government announced the site would be sold under a tender process with the proceeds to go back into the NSW justice system.


However, nothing's been done and the historic building is starting to fall into disrepair.

Newcastle MP, Tim Crackenthorp has quizzed the government on when the sale is likely to go ahead, but the Attorney General referred the matter to the Minister for Finance Services and Property who is yet to respond.

Tim Crackenthorp says he doesn't want the courthouse to go the same way as the city's historic former post office, which is now derelict and dormant.

Tim Crackenthorp

Newcastle's Former Courthouse