The Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from potential partners to help develop the final three hectares of the Newcastle Harbour waterfront.
Honeysuckle HQ is a developmental plan by the NSW Government aiming to create a new and vibrant destination for hospitality, residential and retail opportunities on the harbourside.
HCCDC Chief Executive Officer, Valentina Misevska, said they were looking for project partners who could help bring their developmental vision into reality.
“This is a city-shaping site, and we’re looking for partners to help us realise our vision, which is a true mixed-use development with commercial alongside residential, cultural, retail and hospitality areas, complemented by public spaces,” Misevska said.
“It will be a place for the whole community, an exciting place to work, live and visit, and will encompass design excellence, environmental sustainability initiatives and Aboriginal heritage.”
The site is situated at the intersection of Hannell Street and Honeysuckle Drive, opposite the Newcastle Interchange and among the city’s newly established CBD.
Honeysuckle HQ’s EOI closes on July 7, 2022, at 3 pm, with more information on the project’s website.
Meanwhile, State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, has called on the NSW Government to ensure that the Wickham School of Arts building features in the development.
The historical 1882 building is listed on the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan as a heritage item that forms part of the Honeysuckle HQ precinct, sitting adjacent to the light rail stabling yard.
According to Hunter Living Histories, for over 100 years, the Wickham School of Arts building was home to a diverse range of groups and organisations, including a kindergarten, a Police Citizens Boys Club, a yoga studio and a men’s hostel.
Its most significant claim to fame was in the early 1880s, when 16-year-old, Henry Lawson, frequented the building to study and read before embarking on a successful career and becoming one of Australia’s most famous literary writers.
Crakanthorp said the building held great significance, and the community had made their views about its future clear.
“The former Wickham School of Arts has local heritage significance, and the community has been very clear that they want to see this heritage retained and honoured,” Crakanthorp said.
“This is how we end the uncertainty around the building’s future and secure its future once-and-for-all.
“The last thing we want is to see a repeat of what happened to The Store.”
Newcastle resident, Fred Whitaker, said the building was in the ideal location for a visitor or heritage centre.
“It’s a fine building in the heart of our new CBD, adjacent to where visitors arrive in Newcastle,” Whitaker said.
“This is ideal for a heritage centre, where people can meet and learn about Newcastle’s fascinating past and over two hundred years of extraordinarily diverse development.
“The installation of a photo gallery, a coffee shop, even classes on the subject would be great possibilities.—many local enthusiasts would volunteer to be part of it.
“Perhaps the HCCDC might be wise to seek suggestions before determining the building’s future.”
Following a sustained campaign by Crakanthorp, the City of Newcastle and community groups, HCCDC commenced a series of works in October 2021 to replace the building’s ageing structural features.
“Work is underway to repair and make safe the former Wickham School of Arts building in Honeysuckle,” a statement from the HCCDC’s website reads.
“We are repairing the roof, waterproofing the building, resealing windows and doors and removing hazardous materials.
“As well as making repairs, HCCDC has removed elements that don’t have heritage value, such as the rear annex added in the 1950s and two buildings located on either side of the former Wickham School of Arts building.
“This work will give the building the best possible chance of being repurposed as part of Honeysuckle’s transformation.”
Crakanthorp said despite the revitalisation works, there had still been no commitment from HCCDC to incorporate the building into the final precinct plans.
Hayley McMahon