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NOBBYS Lighthouse will be redeveloped into an “iconic tourist destination” with a restaurant, exhibition space and “outdoor exercise equipment” thanks to a state government grant announced on Thursday. Already one of Newcastle’s most recognisable landmarks, the Berejiklian government will give $500,000 as part of a planned $1.5 million redevelopment that the site’s operator – Newcastle Now – says will make the lighthouse “an iconic tourist destination on par with Newcastle Memorial Walk and Fort Scratchley”. “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, Newcastle Now executive Michael Neilson said. “Requests range from extending the opening hours to a café and restaurant. “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.” Mr Neilson said that, once completed, the development would mean the lighthouse could “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,” he said. The funding comes from the Berejiklian government’s Newcastle Port community contribution fund, established when the government sold the port in 2014. Catherine Cusack, the state government’s parliamentary secretary in the Hunter, announced on Thursday that $1.27 million would be spent on five projects across the Hunter. “It’s great to see this funding being used to restore, protect and maximise public enjoyment of these historical icons of Newcastle,” Ms Cusack said. “They show how the community can benefit as Newcastle grows and changes.” Also receiving funding is the Carrington Hydraulic Engine House will receive $500,000 for restoration works including weather-proofing, landscaping, heritage interpretation works and public seating. The engine house was built in 1877 to house a hydraulic power system that operated a coal-loading crane on Newcastle Harbour and is the first of its type built in NSW. $170,000 will go towards launching the historic steamship William the Fourth, which will include craning the historic vessel into the water and dock at a home berth to be constructed at Lee Wharf in Honeysuckle. $50,000 will go to the Honeysuckle Community Group for the 2017 Winter Heat Festival, and $45,000 to the Carrington Community Council for construction of new cricket nets.
NOBBYS Lighthouse will be redeveloped into an “iconic tourist destination” with a restaurant, exhibition space and “outdoor exercise equipment” thanks to a state government grant announced on Thursday.
Already one of Newcastle’s most recognisable landmarks, the Berejiklian government will give $500,000 as part of a planned $1.5 million redevelopment that the site’s operator – Newcastle Now – says will make the lighthouse “an iconic tourist destination on par with Newcastle Memorial Walk and Fort Scratchley”.
“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, Newcastle Now executive Michael Neilson said.
“Requests range from extending the opening hours to a café and restaurant.
“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.”
Mr Neilson said that, once completed, the development would mean the lighthouse could “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,” he said.
The funding comes from the Berejiklian government’s Newcastle Port community contribution fund, established when the government sold the port in 2014.
Catherine Cusack, the state government’s parliamentary secretary in the Hunter, announced on Thursday that $1.27 million would be spent on five projects across the Hunter.
“It’s great to see this funding being used to restore, protect and maximise public enjoyment of these historical icons of Newcastle,” Ms Cusack said.
“They show how the community can benefit as Newcastle grows and changes.”
Also receiving funding is the Carrington Hydraulic Engine House will receive $500,000 for restoration works including weather-proofing, landscaping, heritage interpretation works and public seating.
The engine house was built in 1877 to house a hydraulic power system that operated a coal-loading crane on Newcastle Harbour and is the first of its type built in NSW.
$170,000 will go towards launching the historic steamship William the Fourth, which will include craning the historic vessel into the water and dock at a home berth to be constructed at Lee Wharf in Honeysuckle.
$50,000 will go to the Honeysuckle Community Group for the 2017 Winter Heat Festival, and $45,000 to the Carrington Community Council for construction of new cricket nets.
