Heritage
Newcastle holds an important place in the story of our nation's development. It was the first mainland convict settlement established outside of Sydney, providing significant resources to support the colony, including coal, timber, building lime, and salt.
Coal mining commenced from 1801, using convict labour and experimental technologies. The mining of coal is a significant aspect of our nation's history. Newcastle provides many important links to this story reflected in items such as the first coal mines, the convict lumber yard, the breakwater and the port, and the historic buildings within James Flecther Hospital. All of these items are important aspects of our city's heritage.
Identifying Newcastle's heritage
Two major surveys identify and describe the heritage of Newcastle:
For information about Heritage Items or Heritage Conservation Areas search Newcastle Heritage Register and see the pages on Heritage Publications, Heritage Items and Heritage Conservation Areas.
Heritage Act 1977 review
The Minister for Planning the Hon. Frank Sartor released the expert report into the Heritage Act Review on 19 March 2008. To view the expert panel report click here. The 105-page report contains 65 recommendations, including greater rigour in the heritage listing process and retaining key elements of the current system including local and State listings and a Heritage Council. The report will now be considered by the NSW Government.
Colour schemes for heritage listed homes
If you are considering a new colour scheme to the exterior of your heritage listed home, you will need to notify council in writing of your proposal. High quality & aesthetically pleasing colour schemes that respond to the age of the house and the architecture of the street are strongly encouraged. Council has prepared this fact sheet for those needing a little inspiration.
As to what colour scheme you ultimately decide on is for you to determine, although there are some restrictions to be aware of. Painting over face brickwork or natural stone that is meant to be left exposed is not permitted; and roof materials must not be changed without the prior approval of Council. For example –terracotta roof tiles must not be replaced with other materials such as corrugated metal without an approved Development Application. Similarly, painting or changing the colour of original roof tiles will generally not be supported.
Hot Tip - Masonry wall surfaces (for example face brick) are best cared for by gentle cleaning or by re-pointing mortar joints where they are crumbling. Such preventative actions will most likely bring out the natural beauty of your historic home.
