New life for historic Newcastle pumphouse

Newcastle Port Corporation is leasing out the historic Carrington Pumphouse.

The site is part of a land and building portfolio currently out for tender.

The landmark sandstone building in Cowper Street was built in 1877, to help develop the city's expanding coal industry.

It operated as the Carrington Hydraulic Engine House until the 1960s, powering the steam cranes that loaded coal onto waiting ships at nearby Dyke Point.

In recent years there has been talk of rejuvenating the site and opening it up to the public, as a function centre, restaurant or gallery.

Now it is up for lease, along with two large warehouses in Fitzroy and Denison Streets in Carrington and a parking area in Bourke Street.

A 1.3 hectare vacant industrial site on Kooragang Island is also out for tender.

Expressions of interest close early May.

Newcastle's historic Carrington pumphouse, now up for lease.

Source: ABC News, 22 April 2013