Stairway to heaven

The ‘Stairway to Heaven’ concept first emerged in 2006, which saw a walkway, staircase, and new public space linking Newcastle Harbour to Christ Church Cathedral.

With hopes to protect the view of the iconic church, the project was then revisited in December 2020, following advice that the 60-year old King St car park, which obstructs views of the cathedral, would need to be demolished.

After receiving independent advice, City of Newcastle Councillors decided to proceed with the project and undertook a preliminary feasibility study.

Director of Governance David Clarke said early advice indicated that the project was feasible if delivered in conjunction with Iris Capital’s East End Development.

“After receiving the green light from our Councillors in December to undertake an independent feasibility study and hold early high-level discussions with developer Iris Capital and key stakeholders, we now know the Stairway to Heaven, including 380 public parking spots and community facilities, can work,” Clarke said.

“The imminent demolition of the former King Street parking station and pending plans for the remaining stages of Iris Capital’s East End development provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create an incredible view of our iconic Cathedral and to create a new and similarly iconic, open space in the heart of the city.”

Clarke said the next step was conducting detailed discussions with Iris Capital on requirements to deliver the concept and further engagement with the community.

City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said key stakeholders had supported the concept.

“Delivering additional public space which preserves local heritage and the iconic view of Christ Church Cathedral from the Harbour whilst retaining 380 public car parking spaces from the King Street complex would make for a resoundingly positive outcome for the city,” Cr Nelmes said.

“After successfully protecting the long-held heritage planning controls in collaboration with Urban Growth to deliver the much-needed renewal of the Hunter Street Mall precinct, this project is a priority.

“We’re confident that this visionary public domain opportunity would truly benefit our community for future generations.”

Newcastle Inner City Residents Alliance representative Brian Ladd said he saw potential in creating a new pedestrian link between Market St and King St.

“Any plan to extend Market Street should ensure that nearby existing heritage buildings, the historic character of the area and major public vistas of the Christ Church Cathedral will be protected and enhanced,” Ladd said.

Iris Capital CEO Sam Arnaout said Iris Capital was committed to working with the council to make the stairway a reality.

“Iris Capital acknowledges that the stairway connection to the Cathedral is a once-only landmark opportunity to deliver a special piece of public infrastructure to Newcastle that is currently missing, which will endure as part of the City forever,” Arnaout said.

_{Information source: Media release, Mar 17, City of Newcastle}