Deadline looming for restoration of Newcastle landmark
- intouch Magazine
- 31 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The development application (DA) for the revitalisation of the historic Newcastle Post Office will lapse in less than two months if construction or engineering work doesn’t commence in that time.
The site is owned by Dr Jerry Schwartz, who purchased it in 2018 with a plan to invest more than $3.6 million into updating the treasured icon to include a state-of-the-art conference centre, retail shops, a café and an Aboriginal cultural centre.
The original proposal was approved by City of Newcastle in April 2021 before the Schwartz Family Company lodged a modification to the approved design three years later, which included alterations and additions to the existing building, as well as an additional level and an onsite residence.
The modified DA was approved in March 2025 following alterations, including the removal of a proposed additional level and residence, based on feedback from City of Newcastle staff, City of Newcastle's Urban Design Review Panel and the Heritage Council of NSW.
The Schwartz Family Company recently lodged a Section 60 application to the State Government for work on the Post Office roof, but City of Newcastle has obtained legal advice confirming this action will not prevent the DA from lapsing.
City of Newcastle maintains that a Construction Certificate is still required to physically commence work relating to the DA.
Executive Director Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said City of Newcastle remains hopeful the restoration will proceed before the deadline.
“City of Newcastle currently has no applications relating to the Post Office that would be holding up work,” Ms Bisson said.
“We’ve met with Dr Schwartz to remind him that work needs to begin at the Newcastle Post Office before 8 April or the DA will lapse. It would be a deeply disappointing result should the approval lapse.
“Development consent lapses five years after the date it becomes operational if no work has begun. Modifying an approved DA does not change the original commencement or lapse date.
“Dr Schwartz still needs a construction certificate for work to begin at the site and our records show that one has not been lodged with City of Newcastle or with a private certifier.
“The applicant was granted a s.138 approval on 21 August 2025. That approval cleared the way for Dr Schwartz to complete the steps in obtaining the construction certificate.”
Dr Schwartz successfully acquired a $1 million NSW Heritage Grant in July 2025 to assist with restoration work, which would help to bring original features such as columns, windows and doors back to life.
New additions to the original layout would include the installation of a glass roof over the terrace on the first floor and the restoration of two existing fireplaces in the proposed function room.
