The proposed site also includes the vision of a new law precinct to form around Newcastle's civic center to revive the area. The law courts will be the catalyst project for the CBD bringing all the associated businesses and public to Hunter Street.
But where does this dramatic proposal to re-arrange Newcastle East leave the existing legal precinct?
The heritage court house building would be left vacant and unusable like the famous Post Office and other heritage buildings in the area. It is unlikely that a private investor would willingly re-develop the site for residential or commercial use.
The re-development of the existing court house to accommodate current and future court needs makes more heritage conservation sense then moving the law precinct to the other end of town.
The original Court house was built in 1890 by James Barnet, with extensions tacked on the east and west sides later on. If these wing buildings were removed, new court rooms and facilities could be built around the heritage court house.
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