One of Newcastle's most significant buildings hit the market during the week to a strong response.
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Street Property's Andrew Walker is marketing the old Newcastle East Public School at 58 Bolton Street on behalf of brother-and-sister developers Daniel and Bernadette Connolly.
The Newcastle Herald reported in 2015 that the siblings paid $2.9 million at auction to secure the building as part of a larger site on the corner of Bolton and Church streets. The building was used more recently as the former Community Justice Centre.
On the land surrounding the building, which was the original school's playground, the Connollys constructed Parque apartments.
They are now selling the state heritage-listed building with Development Application approval and Construction Certificate for a top-floor residence and ground-floor commercial.
Mr Walker said there was potential for other uses of the building which comprises 782 square metres of gross floor area.
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"It's going to attract a wide variety of people," Mr Walker said.
"Already the enquiry has ranged from people who are interested in the fact that the Connollys did get a DA and a CC for a really beautiful residence on the top floor then downstairs commercial.
"But the building itself can be used residentially in totality. It can be used commercially in totality. It can be a mixed use or could possibly be split up into a cluster of small apartments.
"The property has got such a wide array of options. It is such a marvellous building and is in extraordinary condition."
It is open for inspection for the first time on Saturday from 12.45pm until 2pm and Mr Walker was expecting the property to draw a crowd due to its significance to the city.
The property will be sold through an expressions of interest campaign. A price guide has not been set.
Mr Walker said early interest had come from prospective local buyers as well as out of Sydney, Melbourne and regional NSW.
The exterior of the building has been restored and a glass skybridge built from its top floor to the Parque apartments car park.
"We've had a myriad of thoughts on what to do with that building since we bought it," Ms Connolly said.
"We've spent a lot of time and money on the external of the building and really bringing it back to its original character.
"Now that Parque apartments has been built in and around, we thought it's probably more appealing to others now to potentially come and purchase the building on its own."
The property is being sold with six secure undercover car spaces. It is zoned R4 high density residential.
