Intact 1920s facade discovered behind Newcastle building's metal cladding
The council approved demolition of Hunter Street's former Marcus Clark building, though its intact 1920s facade sparked calls to save it.
Metal cladding at the old Spotlight building in Newcastle hid a surprisingly complete 1920s facade. When removed, the discovery sparked an online petition.
People wanted to preserve it and include it in a new mixed-use development. An architecture firm wants the facade saved and rebuilt into two planned towers.
These towers will have 191 apartments and office space. The City of Newcastle says the facade's heritage significance was significantly diminished.
This happened because of changes in the 1960s when corner details were removed. The council approved demolition in October 2023.
A later application for staged demolition was approved in December 2025. The developer has committed to heritage interpretation measures.
These include references in a new bus stop. Salvaged building elements will be placed in the pavement.
- 1920s
- Year built
- 711 Hunter Street, Newcastle
- Address
- 191 apartments and office space
- New development scale
- 285
- Petition signatures
Why it mattersHeritage advocates want to preserve character on Hunter Street. The council and developer argue the building's original integrity is already damaged.
AustraliaNewcastle's heritage debate reflects broader questions facing Australian cities: balancing new development with preserving older neighbourhoods' character.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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