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Old Newcastle Club Building
824 - Royal Newcastle Hospital - The Club Building - SHR Plan No 3054 (5045481b100).jpg
Heritage boundaries
Location 30 Pacific Street, Newcastle, City of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
Built 1913–1917
Architect F. G. Castleden
Official name: Royal Newcastle Hospital – The Club Building; The Club Building – Royal Newcastle Hospital
Type state heritage (built)
Designated 2 April 1999
Reference no. 824
Type Hospital
Category Health Services
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The Old Newcastle Club Building is a special old building in Newcastle, Australia. It used to be a club for gentlemen, then a hospital building, and now it's a youth hostel where young travelers can stay. This building is located at 30 Pacific Street. It's considered very important because it was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999. This means it's protected for its historical value.

History of the Building

The Old Newcastle Club Building has an interesting past, changing its purpose several times over the years.

Early Days as a Gentlemen's Club

The building was first constructed between 1910 and 1911. It was designed by an architect named F. G. Castleden. The construction work was done by a company called Davis and Sons. This building was originally the home of the Newcastle Club, which was a private club for gentlemen.

Becoming Part of the Hospital

A few years later, the new Royal Newcastle Hospital needed more space. The Newcastle Club agreed to move out of their building. In 1917, the hospital took over the building.

Hospital Uses and Beyond

For many years, the building was used for different hospital purposes. At first, it served as the Newcastle Nurses Home, providing a place for nurses to live. Later, it was used for hospital offices and as a place where staff could relax. In 1997, the health authority sold the building to a developer named Brien Cornwell. He decided to renovate it and turn it into a youth hostel. Today, it operates as the Newcastle Beach YHA, welcoming young people from all over the world.

What the Building Looks Like

The Old Newcastle Club Building is a two-story building that looks like a large, fancy cottage. It was built in a style called Queen Anne, which was popular during the Federation period in Australia.

Design and Construction Details

The building has an interesting design that isn't perfectly balanced on both sides. You can see that it was built in two different stages. This is clear from the way the bricks and the mortar (the cement between the bricks) look different in places. The roof is covered with terracotta tiles.

Inside and Outside Features

This building was once right in the middle of the hospital complex. It had special enclosed walkways that connected it to other important hospital buildings, like the Nurses' Home and Wheeler House. The inside of the building is still mostly original, which is quite special. Outside, in the front yard, there are two very old and important palm trees.

Why It's a Heritage Site

The Old Newcastle Club Building is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. This means it's recognized as an important part of history and needs to be protected.

Its Importance to Newcastle

The building is a great example of the Federation Queen Anne style. It has a unique look that adds a lot to the area where the Royal Newcastle Hospital used to be. Its design and history make it a valuable landmark in Newcastle. It was officially added to the heritage list on April 2, 1999.

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