
Going up: new project hoped to breathe life into former Spotlight site
A MAJOR $118.9 million development is proposed to breathe new life into a dilapidated corner of the city's CBD.
The former Spotlight building and run-down car park in Newcastle West are set to be transformed into two towers housing 260 new apartments and street-front retail if the proposal wins approval.
Designed by Stewart Architecture and spearheaded by developer 711 Hunter Street Pty Limited, the ambitious project replaces previous plans for the site.
St Hilliers and Spotlight Group secured development approval in October 2023 for two 26-storey apartment towers on the site after winning development approval for a 257-unit development marketed as West Village, but put the land up for sale the following month.
In 2024, the Newcastle Herald reported that development and construction firm Bloc had purchased the site as part of a joint venture.
If approved, the new proposal would deliver a four-story podium built with two residential towers rising above, one at 14 storeys and the other at 31 storeys.
In total, the development would deliver 87 one-bedroom, 80 two-bedroom and 93 three-bedroom units along with seven ground-floor retail tenancies.
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) lodged with the City of Newcastle said the underutilised site contains buildings in a "state of disrepair" that are "inconsistent with the desired future character" of the CBD.
"The proposal will contribute to the revitalisation of the Newcastle city centre," the statement said.
It went on to say the site has "excellent" access to essential services, education, jobs, open space and community facilities and "will provide public benefit by delivering diverse housing and retail opportunities, activating the site and contributing to the amenity of the public domain".
The proposed design was developed in consultation with the council and the Newcastle Urban Design Review Panel.
The plans include 363 carparks hidden within the podium levels, with access via Little King Street to the south.
Upstairs, a communal space including a 'tranquil garden', seating areas, two plunge pools and a regular pool, a children's play area, a barbecue spot, space for a residential library or common room, an outdoor gym and shade structures would be available to residents.
A pocket park would be open to the public along National Park Street, complete with a featured artwork or mural.
The development application will be determined by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel.
Public submissions on the proposal are open until July 1 at 5pm on the City of Newcastle's website.
A MAJOR $118.9 million development is proposed to breathe new life into a dilapidated corner of the city's CBD.
The former Spotlight building and run-down car park in Newcastle West are set to be transformed into two towers housing 260 new apartments and street-front retail if the proposal wins approval.
Designed by Stewart Architecture and spearheaded by developer 711 Hunter Street Pty Limited, the ambitious project replaces previous plans for the site.
St Hilliers and Spotlight Group secured development approval in October 2023 for two 26-storey apartment towers on the site after winning development approval for a 257-unit development marketed as West Village, but put the land up for sale the following month.
In 2024, the Newcastle Herald reported that development and construction firm Bloc had purchased the site as part of a joint venture.
If approved, the new proposal would deliver a four-story podium built with two residential towers rising above, one at 14 storeys and the other at 31 storeys.
In total, the development would deliver 87 one-bedroom, 80 two-bedroom and 93 three-bedroom units along with seven ground-floor retail tenancies.
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) lodged with the City of Newcastle said the underutilised site contains buildings in a "state of disrepair" that are "inconsistent with the desired future character" of the CBD.
"The proposal will contribute to the revitalisation of the Newcastle city centre," the statement said.
It went on to say the site has "excellent" access to essential services, education, jobs, open space and community facilities and "will provide public benefit by delivering diverse housing and retail opportunities, activating the site and contributing to the amenity of the public domain".
The proposed design was developed in consultation with the council and the Newcastle Urban Design Review Panel.
The plans include 363 carparks hidden within the podium levels, with access via Little King Street to the south.
Upstairs, a communal space including a 'tranquil garden', seating areas, two plunge pools and a regular pool, a children's play area, a barbecue spot, space for a residential library or common room, an outdoor gym and shade structures would be available to residents.
A pocket park would be open to the public along National Park Street, complete with a featured artwork or mural.
The development application will be determined by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel.
Public submissions on the proposal are open until July 1 at 5pm on the City of Newcastle's website.
A MAJOR $118.9 million development is proposed to breathe new life into a dilapidated corner of the city's CBD.
The former Spotlight building and run-down car park in Newcastle West are set to be transformed into two towers housing 260 new apartments and street-front retail if the proposal wins approval.
Designed by Stewart Architecture and spearheaded by developer 711 Hunter Street Pty Limited, the ambitious project replaces previous plans for the site.
St Hilliers and Spotlight Group secured development approval in October 2023 for two 26-storey apartment towers on the site after winning development approval for a 257-unit development marketed as West Village, but put the land up for sale the following month.
In 2024, the Newcastle Herald reported that development and construction firm Bloc had purchased the site as part of a joint venture.
If approved, the new proposal would deliver a four-story podium built with two residential towers rising above, one at 14 storeys and the other at 31 storeys.
In total, the development would deliver 87 one-bedroom, 80 two-bedroom and 93 three-bedroom units along with seven ground-floor retail tenancies.
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) lodged with the City of Newcastle said the underutilised site contains buildings in a "state of disrepair" that are "inconsistent with the desired future character" of the CBD.
"The proposal will contribute to the revitalisation of the Newcastle city centre," the statement said.
It went on to say the site has "excellent" access to essential services, education, jobs, open space and community facilities and "will provide public benefit by delivering diverse housing and retail opportunities, activating the site and contributing to the amenity of the public domain".
The proposed design was developed in consultation with the council and the Newcastle Urban Design Review Panel.
The plans include 363 carparks hidden within the podium levels, with access via Little King Street to the south.
Upstairs, a communal space including a 'tranquil garden', seating areas, two plunge pools and a regular pool, a children's play area, a barbecue spot, space for a residential library or common room, an outdoor gym and shade structures would be available to residents.
A pocket park would be open to the public along National Park Street, complete with a featured artwork or mural.
The development application will be determined by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel.
Public submissions on the proposal are open until July 1 at 5pm on the City of Newcastle's website.
A MAJOR $118.9 million development is proposed to breathe new life into a dilapidated corner of the city's CBD.
The former Spotlight building and run-down car park in Newcastle West are set to be transformed into two towers housing 260 new apartments and street-front retail if the proposal wins approval.
Designed by Stewart Architecture and spearheaded by developer 711 Hunter Street Pty Limited, the ambitious project replaces previous plans for the site.
St Hilliers and Spotlight Group secured development approval in October 2023 for two 26-storey apartment towers on the site after winning development approval for a 257-unit development marketed as West Village, but put the land up for sale the following month.
In 2024, the Newcastle Herald reported that development and construction firm Bloc had purchased the site as part of a joint venture.
If approved, the new proposal would deliver a four-story podium built with two residential towers rising above, one at 14 storeys and the other at 31 storeys.
In total, the development would deliver 87 one-bedroom, 80 two-bedroom and 93 three-bedroom units along with seven ground-floor retail tenancies.
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) lodged with the City of Newcastle said the underutilised site contains buildings in a "state of disrepair" that are "inconsistent with the desired future character" of the CBD.
"The proposal will contribute to the revitalisation of the Newcastle city centre," the statement said.
It went on to say the site has "excellent" access to essential services, education, jobs, open space and community facilities and "will provide public benefit by delivering diverse housing and retail opportunities, activating the site and contributing to the amenity of the public domain".
The proposed design was developed in consultation with the council and the Newcastle Urban Design Review Panel.
The plans include 363 carparks hidden within the podium levels, with access via Little King Street to the south.
Upstairs, a communal space including a 'tranquil garden', seating areas, two plunge pools and a regular pool, a children's play area, a barbecue spot, space for a residential library or common room, an outdoor gym and shade structures would be available to residents.
A pocket park would be open to the public along National Park Street, complete with a featured artwork or mural.
The development application will be determined by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel.
Public submissions on the proposal are open until July 1 at 5pm on the City of Newcastle's website.
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The Advertiser
10-06-2025
- The Advertiser
Going up: new project hoped to breathe life into former Spotlight site
A MAJOR $118.9 million development is proposed to breathe new life into a dilapidated corner of the city's CBD. The former Spotlight building and run-down car park in Newcastle West are set to be transformed into two towers housing 260 new apartments and street-front retail if the proposal wins approval. Designed by Stewart Architecture and spearheaded by developer 711 Hunter Street Pty Limited, the ambitious project replaces previous plans for the site. St Hilliers and Spotlight Group secured development approval in October 2023 for two 26-storey apartment towers on the site after winning development approval for a 257-unit development marketed as West Village, but put the land up for sale the following month. In 2024, the Newcastle Herald reported that development and construction firm Bloc had purchased the site as part of a joint venture. If approved, the new proposal would deliver a four-story podium built with two residential towers rising above, one at 14 storeys and the other at 31 storeys. In total, the development would deliver 87 one-bedroom, 80 two-bedroom and 93 three-bedroom units along with seven ground-floor retail tenancies. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) lodged with the City of Newcastle said the underutilised site contains buildings in a "state of disrepair" that are "inconsistent with the desired future character" of the CBD. "The proposal will contribute to the revitalisation of the Newcastle city centre," the statement said. It went on to say the site has "excellent" access to essential services, education, jobs, open space and community facilities and "will provide public benefit by delivering diverse housing and retail opportunities, activating the site and contributing to the amenity of the public domain". The proposed design was developed in consultation with the council and the Newcastle Urban Design Review Panel. The plans include 363 carparks hidden within the podium levels, with access via Little King Street to the south. Upstairs, a communal space including a 'tranquil garden', seating areas, two plunge pools and a regular pool, a children's play area, a barbecue spot, space for a residential library or common room, an outdoor gym and shade structures would be available to residents. A pocket park would be open to the public along National Park Street, complete with a featured artwork or mural. The development application will be determined by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel. Public submissions on the proposal are open until July 1 at 5pm on the City of Newcastle's website. A MAJOR $118.9 million development is proposed to breathe new life into a dilapidated corner of the city's CBD. The former Spotlight building and run-down car park in Newcastle West are set to be transformed into two towers housing 260 new apartments and street-front retail if the proposal wins approval. Designed by Stewart Architecture and spearheaded by developer 711 Hunter Street Pty Limited, the ambitious project replaces previous plans for the site. St Hilliers and Spotlight Group secured development approval in October 2023 for two 26-storey apartment towers on the site after winning development approval for a 257-unit development marketed as West Village, but put the land up for sale the following month. In 2024, the Newcastle Herald reported that development and construction firm Bloc had purchased the site as part of a joint venture. If approved, the new proposal would deliver a four-story podium built with two residential towers rising above, one at 14 storeys and the other at 31 storeys. In total, the development would deliver 87 one-bedroom, 80 two-bedroom and 93 three-bedroom units along with seven ground-floor retail tenancies. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) lodged with the City of Newcastle said the underutilised site contains buildings in a "state of disrepair" that are "inconsistent with the desired future character" of the CBD. "The proposal will contribute to the revitalisation of the Newcastle city centre," the statement said. It went on to say the site has "excellent" access to essential services, education, jobs, open space and community facilities and "will provide public benefit by delivering diverse housing and retail opportunities, activating the site and contributing to the amenity of the public domain". The proposed design was developed in consultation with the council and the Newcastle Urban Design Review Panel. The plans include 363 carparks hidden within the podium levels, with access via Little King Street to the south. Upstairs, a communal space including a 'tranquil garden', seating areas, two plunge pools and a regular pool, a children's play area, a barbecue spot, space for a residential library or common room, an outdoor gym and shade structures would be available to residents. A pocket park would be open to the public along National Park Street, complete with a featured artwork or mural. The development application will be determined by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel. Public submissions on the proposal are open until July 1 at 5pm on the City of Newcastle's website. A MAJOR $118.9 million development is proposed to breathe new life into a dilapidated corner of the city's CBD. The former Spotlight building and run-down car park in Newcastle West are set to be transformed into two towers housing 260 new apartments and street-front retail if the proposal wins approval. Designed by Stewart Architecture and spearheaded by developer 711 Hunter Street Pty Limited, the ambitious project replaces previous plans for the site. St Hilliers and Spotlight Group secured development approval in October 2023 for two 26-storey apartment towers on the site after winning development approval for a 257-unit development marketed as West Village, but put the land up for sale the following month. In 2024, the Newcastle Herald reported that development and construction firm Bloc had purchased the site as part of a joint venture. If approved, the new proposal would deliver a four-story podium built with two residential towers rising above, one at 14 storeys and the other at 31 storeys. In total, the development would deliver 87 one-bedroom, 80 two-bedroom and 93 three-bedroom units along with seven ground-floor retail tenancies. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) lodged with the City of Newcastle said the underutilised site contains buildings in a "state of disrepair" that are "inconsistent with the desired future character" of the CBD. "The proposal will contribute to the revitalisation of the Newcastle city centre," the statement said. It went on to say the site has "excellent" access to essential services, education, jobs, open space and community facilities and "will provide public benefit by delivering diverse housing and retail opportunities, activating the site and contributing to the amenity of the public domain". The proposed design was developed in consultation with the council and the Newcastle Urban Design Review Panel. The plans include 363 carparks hidden within the podium levels, with access via Little King Street to the south. Upstairs, a communal space including a 'tranquil garden', seating areas, two plunge pools and a regular pool, a children's play area, a barbecue spot, space for a residential library or common room, an outdoor gym and shade structures would be available to residents. A pocket park would be open to the public along National Park Street, complete with a featured artwork or mural. The development application will be determined by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel. Public submissions on the proposal are open until July 1 at 5pm on the City of Newcastle's website. A MAJOR $118.9 million development is proposed to breathe new life into a dilapidated corner of the city's CBD. The former Spotlight building and run-down car park in Newcastle West are set to be transformed into two towers housing 260 new apartments and street-front retail if the proposal wins approval. Designed by Stewart Architecture and spearheaded by developer 711 Hunter Street Pty Limited, the ambitious project replaces previous plans for the site. St Hilliers and Spotlight Group secured development approval in October 2023 for two 26-storey apartment towers on the site after winning development approval for a 257-unit development marketed as West Village, but put the land up for sale the following month. In 2024, the Newcastle Herald reported that development and construction firm Bloc had purchased the site as part of a joint venture. If approved, the new proposal would deliver a four-story podium built with two residential towers rising above, one at 14 storeys and the other at 31 storeys. In total, the development would deliver 87 one-bedroom, 80 two-bedroom and 93 three-bedroom units along with seven ground-floor retail tenancies. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) lodged with the City of Newcastle said the underutilised site contains buildings in a "state of disrepair" that are "inconsistent with the desired future character" of the CBD. "The proposal will contribute to the revitalisation of the Newcastle city centre," the statement said. It went on to say the site has "excellent" access to essential services, education, jobs, open space and community facilities and "will provide public benefit by delivering diverse housing and retail opportunities, activating the site and contributing to the amenity of the public domain". The proposed design was developed in consultation with the council and the Newcastle Urban Design Review Panel. The plans include 363 carparks hidden within the podium levels, with access via Little King Street to the south. Upstairs, a communal space including a 'tranquil garden', seating areas, two plunge pools and a regular pool, a children's play area, a barbecue spot, space for a residential library or common room, an outdoor gym and shade structures would be available to residents. A pocket park would be open to the public along National Park Street, complete with a featured artwork or mural. The development application will be determined by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel. Public submissions on the proposal are open until July 1 at 5pm on the City of Newcastle's website.

Sky News AU
15-05-2025
- Sky News AU
Seven boss to leave for surprise NRL gig
Channel 7's boss Anthony De Ceglie is leaving the network and take up a new role with the NRL. Considered the right-hand man of Kerry Stokes, the former editor-in-chief of The West Australian, is set to be put in charge of the NRL Perth Bears. De Ceglie, 39, joined Seven West Media from News Corporation tabloid The Daily Telegraph in 2019, where he was deputy editor for almost three years in the NRL's heartland territory of NSW. He replaced former news director Craig McPherson in 2024. His leadership oversaw programs including 7News, Sunrise, The Morning Show and investigative program Spotlight, but came under fire after a series of decisions that saw veteran broadcasters axed. Seven were forced to strip $100m in costs which led to 150 jobs being slashed and network stalwarts being tapped on the shoulder, and experienced news producers being replaced by younger staff. Popular Queensland weatherman Paul Burt and veteran newsreader Sharyn Ghidella were among the high-profile targets of Seven's bloodletting. Ghidella - who spent 38 years at the network - later revealed she received the news while she was at the hairdresser's, describing it as a miserable affair. 'When you work in TV for as long as I have, not a day goes by when you aren't expecting the proverbial tap on the shoulder … after 38 years, my shoulder tap has finally come,' Ghidella wrote on social media at the time. 'It wasn't quite how I expected it to end at Channel 7.' Their news bulletins introduced new segments from last century - including seeing star signs become part of bulletin for about three months - before they were ditched. The network lost ratings to its rival Nine, which reclaimed more viewers of the 6pm news by the end of last year for the first since 2015. Broadcast news veteran Ray Kuka is expected to take De Ceglie's place at the Seven Network, as reported by The Australian. The Australian Rugby League (ARL) Commission confirmed the appointment of De Ceglie as the chief executive of the Perth Bears on Thursday. Chairman Peter V'landys said De Ceglie's appointment was an important step forward for the code in Western Australia. 'To succeed in Perth, you need a well-connected local who knows how to get things done and has a can-do attitude,' he said. 'Anthony is a brilliant operator with a proven track record and a genuine Western Australian, and I am excited about what he can do for us as we grow rugby league in the WA market.' Seven West Media are expected to make an announcement shortly. Earlier this month, WA Premier Roger Cook signed a $65m deal with the ARL Commission to introduce a Perth team to the NRL after a 26-year hiatus. The Perth Bears are expected to join to the national league in 2027. More to come Originally published as Anthony De Ceglie is expected to leave the network and take up a new role with the NRL


Perth Now
15-05-2025
- Perth Now
Seven boss leaves for surprise new job
Channel 7's boss Anthony De Ceglie is leaving the network and take up a new role with the NRL. Considered the right-hand man of Kerry Stokes, the former editor-in-chief of The West Australian, is set to be put in charge of the NRL Perth Bears. De Ceglie, 39, joined Seven West Media from News Corporation tabloid The Daily Telegraph in 2019, where he was deputy editor for almost three years in the NRL's heartland territory of NSW. Anthony De Ceglie is the director of news and current affairs and editor-in-chief at Seven West Media. Picture - Supplied Credit: Supplied He replaced former news director Craig McPherson in 2024. His leadership oversaw programs including 7News, Sunrise, The Morning Show and investigative program Spotlight, but came under fire after a series of decisions that saw veteran broadcasters axed. Seven were forced to strip $100m in costs which led to 150 jobs being slashed and network stalwarts being tapped on the shoulder, and experienced news producers being replaced by younger staff. Popular Queensland weatherman Paul Burt and veteran newsreader Sharyn Ghidella were among the high-profile targets of Seven's bloodletting. Ghidella - who spent 38 years at the network - later revealed she received the news while she was at the hairdresser's, describing it as a miserable affair. 'When you work in TV for as long as I have, not a day goes by when you aren't expecting the proverbial tap on the shoulder … after 38 years, my shoulder tap has finally come,' Ghidella wrote on social media at the time. 'It wasn't quite how I expected it to end at Channel 7.' De Ceglie is now leaving the network for an NRL gig. NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short Credit: News Corp Australia Their news bulletins introduced new segments from last century - including seeing star signs become part of bulletin for about three months - before they were ditched. The network lost ratings to its rival Nine, which reclaimed more viewers of the 6pm news by the end of last year for the first since 2015. Broadcast news veteran Ray Kuka is expected to take De Ceglie's place at the Seven Network, as reported by The Australian. The Australian Rugby League (ARL) Commission confirmed the appointment of De Ceglie as the chief executive of the Perth Bears on Thursday. Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'landys says De Ceglie is a 'brilliant operator' with a proven track record. NewsWire / John Appleyard Credit: News Corp Australia Chairman Peter V'landys said De Ceglie's appointment was an important step forward for the code in Western Australia. 'To succeed in Perth, you need a well-connected local who knows how to get things done and has a can-do attitude,' he said. 'Anthony is a brilliant operator with a proven track record and a genuine Western Australian, and I am excited about what he can do for us as we grow rugby league in the WA market.' Seven West Media are expected to make an announcement shortly. Earlier this month, WA Premier Roger Cook signed a $65m deal with the ARL Commission to introduce a Perth team to the NRL after a 26-year hiatus. The Perth Bears are expected to join to the national league in 2027. M ore to come