A Compromise Sought for The Store Building

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle Greens councillor John Mackenzie will tonight be asking council stand up for the city's working-class heritage.

Councillor Mackenzie will be moving a motion at Newcastle City Council's meeting to keep the facade of The Store building in Newcastle West intact and incorporate it into the state government's proposed bus interchange for the site.

He said they're not calling for the interchange not to be built altogether, they just want a compromise that works for everyone.

"We're not even suggesting that the whole of the building stay, there's a compromise here and that compromise is the opportunity to keep the facade and to build around it in a way that creates a hybrid that's something old and something new and points to the future direction of Newcastle."

The Store, formerly known as the Newcastle Co-operative Store was built in 1898 and was a thriving commercial entity in the heart of the city.

There's an immense amount of community support for the building - community consultation found 84% of submissions supported keeping the Store, 62% of those submissions called for the facade to be retained and incorporated into the interchange.

"The Store has an enormous history in Newcastle. The whole city basically was built on the back of the Newcastle Co-operative Store and that building even though it doesn't look how it did in its heyday it really represents an important moment in the political history of our city."

"Just to demolish it entirely I think does a disservice to the importance of the working class history of Newcastle. I think that's an important symbol and an important monument and it's up to council to defend the heritage of this city, we don't want generic buildings for the entirety of the city," said Councillor Mackenzie.

Image nbnnews.com.au

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'.

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.