Wickham School of Arts repair works to start

The Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) will soon commence works to repair the former Wickham School of Arts building in Honeysuckle. 

The works will improve the viability and safety of the building, and include replacing the roof, damp-proofing the building, resealing windows and doors, and removing hazardous materials.

As well as making repairs, HCCDC will work to remove elements that don’t have heritage value, such as the rear annex added in the 1950s and two buildings located either side of the former Wickham School of Arts building.

Chief Operating Officer Valentina Misevska said the works are an important part of the broader preparation HCCDC is undertaking to realise the final outcome for the precinct, which recently took a step forward with the release of Honeysuckle HQ.

“As we enter the important final stage of Honeysuckle’s significant urban transformation, we want to give the building the best possible chance of being repurposed as part of that future precinct.

“In 2020, we undertook community engagement into the final future use and function of the remaining Honeysuckle lands, and people told us that the site’s important social, Aboriginal and European heritage needs to be considered.

“These works are one way we are looking at achieving this, and I look forward to seeing the works get underway.”

The former Wickham School of Arts building is listed in the Newcastle Local Environment Plan 2012 as a heritage item with local significance.  

HCCDC is part of Placemaking NSW, the government’s purpose-built division committed to creating great places across the state. HCCDC is committed to delivering this across its projects in the Hunter and Central Coast regions as part of its vision to support thriving regions and vibrant communities.

For more information on the former Wickham School of Arts building and the final transformation of the precinct, visit Honeysuckle HQ.