'The Station’ offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for experienced operator

The NSW Government is inviting expressions of interest for the iconic Newcastle former city railway station, commonly referred to as the ‘The Station’.

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The Station is in need of an experienced operator ready to manage the site long-term, maintaining the integrity of the buildings without it falling into disrepair.

The beloved heritage site has long been enjoyed by the Newcastle community, as well as travellers far and wide as they arrived via the railways on their regional travels to Newcastle from 1885 to 2014.

The building symbolises the expansion of rail into regional NSW and is a major example of one type of Victorian Station architecture.

The opportunity to see the station transformed again into a site that travellers and tourists alike will visit is one that the NSW Government applauds.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the right group to transform The Station. The historical significance of this site makes it the perfect place for a community-centred project," said Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully.

"Newcastle’s East End and waterfront is ripe with potential, and we are looking for an operator who will reimagine the site to create a destination that draws both visitors and locals into the city centre while celebrating the unique heritage aspects of the site."

“This lease is another example of the NSW Government working to secure public spaces that hold both historical and cultural significance for the communities that will use them in the future.”

“People from the Hunter have been starting their journeys at The Station since 1885 and it’s been at the heart of Newcastle since sail ships brought coal to the world. People gathered here, and it was a gateway to opportunity," said Yasmin Catley, Minister for The Hunter.

“The city has evolved, and The Station has to be part of that. It’s historic, but we can’t let it fade into the past. I’m excited that the NSW Government is injecting life into The Station through tourism and hospitality. It will continue to be a living place for the people of Newcastle.”

“We’re seeking an outcome that embraces the heritage of the site providing a variety of offerings that people want to visit again and again," said Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation Chief Executive Valentina Misevska.

“The Station is much-loved by the community, and an outcome that provides the right social, economic and heritage outcomes will ensure it can continue to be enjoyed by locals and visitors for many decades to come.

“We’ve enabled temporary activation since 2018 to keep the site maintained and in use while its future is being determined, and now it’s time to find The Station’s long-term operator.”

Colliers International is marketing the long-term lease, and EOIs will be accepted until 2 May 2024.  For more information, visit hccdc.nsw.gov.au/station-EOI