Heritage

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Heritage is an important part of Newcastle’s identity, reflecting the stories, places, landscapes and communities that have shaped our city over time. Heritage significance is what makes a place, object, landscape or area special and may be reflected in its historical, cultural, social, architectural, archaeological, Aboriginal, natural or aesthetic values. Heritage can include Aboriginal cultural heritage, archaeology, historic buildings and structures, heritage conservation areas, cultural landscapes, and places of local, state or broader significance. Understanding and protecting heritage helps recognise, respect and sustain the values that contribute to a community’s sense of place and identity.

This section provides information and resources to help you understand, identify, research, manage and conserve Newcastle’s heritage. Whether you own a heritage-listed property, live in a heritage conservation area, are researching the history of a place, or are planning works that may affect heritage values, you will find guidance on heritage protection, approvals, listings, mapping, studies and publications.

In New South Wales, responsibility for managing and regulating cultural heritage is shared between state and local government.

  • City of Newcastle is responsible for local heritage through environmental planning instruments, including Local Environmental Plans and Development Control Plans. 
  • The Heritage Council of NSW, supported by Heritage NSW, is responsible for items of state heritage significance listed on the State Heritage Register, as well as Aboriginal objects and places, and archaeological sites and relics protected under state legislation.

Our Heritage Strategy (PDF) outlines City of Newcastle’s approach to recognising, conserving and managing heritage across the local government area. It is guided by the principles and processes of the Burra Charter and heritage best practice.

“The Burra Charter advocates a cautious approach to change: do as much as necessary to care for the place and to make it useable, but otherwise change it as little as possible so that its cultural significance is retained.”

The Burra Charter, Australia ICOMOS, 2013

Aboriginal Heritage

Aboriginal Heritage

If you are considering development at a property that may have the potential to disturb Aboriginal objects or impact an Aboriginal place.
Archaeology and Development

Archaeology and Development

Information for those who are considering development at a property that may have the potential to disturb archaeological relics or impact an archaeological site.
Built Heritage

Built Heritage

Curious about heritage listed places and need to know more? Find answers to frequently asked questions about out heritage items and heritage conservation areas.
Heritage Listings and Maps

Heritage Listings and Maps

Is your property an identified heritage site? This page provides links to the heritage listings and maps for heritage items, heritage conservation areas, archaeological sites, and Aboriginal cultural heritage places.
Heritage Research and Publications

Heritage Research and Publications

Here you will find some our favourite local, NSW and Australian resources to research heritage and history. We have also produced many publications and documents to help our community protect and celebrate our rich cultural heritage.
Newcastle Citywide Heritage Study

Newcastle Citywide Heritage Study

We’re developing a new Citywide Heritage Study to understand, protect and celebrate the people, places and stories that shape Newcastle’s cultural identity.