PLANS for a rainbow crossing in Newcastle are temporarily on hold while a cost-effective location is found, but the laneway next to the city’s iconic Star Hotel has emerged as a frontrunner.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The crossing, aimed at providing symbolic support for the city’s gay and lesbian residents, was again discussed at last week’s meeting of Newcastle council, but any further moves were put on hold because a council report put the cost at anything between $7000 and $20,000.
Cr Declan Clausen, who has championed the crossing as part of a broader ‘‘equality for Novocastrians’’ push, conceded that costs were too high. Alternatively, he has proposed that the crossing be built into a site where a new footpath is due to be laid in the near future, thus minimising costs.
The move struck a chord with Newcastle Trades Hall Council and Hunter Workers which recently spent $2.3 million upgrading their headquarters off Devonshire Lane.
The lane links Hunter and King streets and is straddled by Trades Hall and the Star Hotel. Trades Hall secretary Daniel Wallace said the laneway is in urgent need of an upgrade and his organisation would be supportive of any plan to incorporate the rainbow crossing into the work.
‘‘A display of public art of such a nature in an iconic location would be a welcome addition to Devonshire Lane,’’ Mr Wallace said.
‘‘The ability to assist the city in recognising our gay and lesbian residents whilst being able to provide a safe and unique dining space for residents to relax and enjoy would be very welcome.’’
Cr Clausen, with the backing of his council colleagues, has asked council staff to engage in talks with Trades Hall with a view to taking up the offer.
