The former Spotlight and Anaconda building in Newcastle is one step closer to its transformation after landmark designs were unveiled today.

It comes as a three-member independent jury unanimously selected Plus Architecture’s concept for the 711 Hunter Street, Newcastle West address in a competition.

The group’s idea involves a site that stands at 90 metres tall and features 267 dwellings across two towers, as well as 1,400 square metres of commercial floorspace and 322 parking spaces, with an estimated construction cost of $100 million.  

City of Newcastle manager regulatory, planning and assessment, Michelle Bisson said the competition has raised the benchmark of architectural design excellence in the city. 

“Ongoing revitalisation and development is continuing to transform Newcastle particularly in the West End, and 2022 is shaping up to be another exciting and busy year for our city,” Ms Bisson said. 

“Once constructed, 711 Hunter Street will boast a hallmark building that will stand the test of time for future generations to admire.” 

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes adds the project will offer a lot to the people of Newcastle.
 
“Newcastle’s city skyline is set to be further transformed when this significant redevelopment in the West End comes to life,” Cr Nelmes said. 

“City of Newcastle congratulates Plus Architecture on their winning design and commends the joint venture partners, St Hilliers and The Spotlight Group, for their commitment to the ongoing revitalisation of Newcastle’s West End. 

“The construction associated with a redevelopment of this size will generate jobs and help buoy Newcastle’s economy which is a positive as we come up against the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and look to the future.” 

The architectural design competition was run under the governance of City of Newcastle and the NSW Government Architect’s Office.

Consultants Urbis administered it on behalf of property developers St Hilliers and The Spotlight Group. 

St Hilliers property project director Paul Smith said the competition has been a great way to bring the best architectural talent and ideas to the fore.

“The quality of architectural design presented by Plus Architecture is really impressive and we look forward to further refining the design by incorporating the jury’s recommendations before proceeding to the next phase,” he said. 

“With a development of this significance, we will work closely with Plus Architecture to set sustainability targets and quality design outcomes during the more detailed development application phase, including a focus on thermal comfort, energy, waste and water.” 

A development application for the site is expected to be lodged by St Hilliers and The Spotlight Group in the first half of 2022. 

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