In a move that would reconnect a piece of Newcastle's educational heritage with its original purpose, Newcastle Grammar School has submitted plans to temporarily convert the historic building at 58 Bolton Street back into an educational establishment.
Connecting with Newcastle's Educational Heritage
The Bolton Street property carries significant historical weight, having been constructed as part of Newcastle East Public School between 1908 and 1912. This institution holds the distinction of being Australia's oldest continuously existing school, with roots tracing back to 1816 on or near the same site.
The building served the public school until the 1980s, after which it was repurposed as a courthouse annexe. Now, over four decades later, it may return to its educational origins under Newcastle Grammar School's proposal.
Practical Plans for the Historic Site
The school has applied to change the building's current approved use as a gallery and dwelling to educational purposes specifically for creative arts and examination spaces. The application highlights that no physical construction works are proposed, making use of existing rooms that were originally designed as classrooms.
Students would be escorted by staff on foot from the school's main Tyrrell Street campus to the Bolton Street location. The facility would accommodate up to 175 students and staff members during operating hours.
Responding to Contemporary Educational Needs
Documents submitted with the application reveal that the additional space addresses increased floor space requirements that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic response. The expansion would serve existing enrolled students without impacting approved enrolment numbers.
The proposed educational use of the historic building is for a three-year period, providing temporary relief while maintaining the building's connection to its educational heritage.
In a separate development within the region's education sector, Corpus Christi Primary School at Waratah has also lodged expansion plans. The Catholic Diocese seeks to incorporate three vacant lots purchased several years ago into the school's playground area, with no new buildings or increases in student numbers proposed.
