Nobbys Lighthouse Receives Grant Funding For Next Phase of Development

Newcastle Now is excited to announce that it has been successful in securing $500,000 in grant funding from the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund, administered by Hunter Development Corporation. This funding will be directed toward a $1.5million development of the site to position it as an iconic tourist destination on par with Newcastle Memorial Walk and Fort Scratchley. (Image Credit: Hannah Rose Photography)

“The grant is an acknowledgment, by Government and Business bodies, of the trusted and professional approach the Business Improvement Association is taking towards the city's Revitalisation and this iconic community asset in particular,” says Edward Duc Executive Chairman for Newcastle Now.

“Since Newcastle Now has managed Nobbys Lighthouse, we have welcomed over 150,000 visitors to the site on Sundays, many of whom have expressed the need for further development. Requests range from extending the opening hours to a café and restaurant,” says Michael Neilson Executive Manager for Newcastle Now.

“Newcastle Now plans to lodge a development application, two years in the making, which will see a broader range of uses and activities over the site to encourage greater public access and overall activation that is inclusive and appeals to a broad cross-section of the community.”

“The proposed operating model will be based on a social enterprise framework to ensure surplus funds do go back into the community, and should there be any surplus income, it will be directed into city centre projects to assist with the revitalisation of Newcastle and its economic development.”

Once completed, facilities will provide an exhibition space, outdoor exercise equipment, and play area, viewing decks, a café, and a restaurant with conference and catering facilities. These facilities will enable income generation to fund sustainable operations and extend opening hours.

Newcastle Now has already completed $500,000 in value of works on the site, including the restoration of cottages and buildings to a safe and weatherproof condition with operating facilities and portable accessible toilet. This work has been funded by cash contributions and community in-kind support.

“Improved activation and facilities of the site will expand options for use by the community in a variety of ways and offer significant contributions to local and regional tourism. Nobbys will sit alongside Fort Scratchley and Anzac walk to deliver a unique insight to Newcastle and the Hunter.”

This grant is one giant step towards the long-term adaptive re-use of Nobbys Headland, with development to be phased as funding is available. Newcastle Now will seek community, corporate and public funding for the next stage of capital works, and will begin a crowd-funding appeal to add further elements.