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Statement of Significance from the Office of Environment & Heritage

The Civic Theatre is of state significance. It is regarded as one of the finest theatre buildings in New South Wales designed by prominent theatre architect Henry Eli White.It is one of few surviving late-1920s atmospheric theatres in the country.

The building facade is a finely crafted example of the Georgian Revival style. Along with the Newcastle Club and the BHP Administration Building, it represents the influence of this style in the Hunter Region. The theatre’s largely intact interior is considered to be an outstanding example of the Spanish/Moroccan style.

The building is also an important townscape element, being part of the civic cultural precinct and located adjacent to Newcastle City Hall (also designed by White) It reflects Newcastle’s status as the state’s second capital at the time of the theatre’s construction.

The theatre has operated almost continuously as an entertainment venue since 1929 and continues to be a focus of social and cultural activity, highly valued by the citizens of Newcastle for its outstanding historical, aesthetic and social significance.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -