The past, the present

When the Foundation stone for Coutts sailors Home was laid on 16 March 1882, the occasion was marked with festivities. A public holiday was declared and the Great Northern Band marched down Hunter Street.

When the home was opened in September 1883 a magnificent fancy dress ball was held to commemorate the occasion.

The building was splendid.

Further additions in 1889-1890 included a colonnade some 12 feet wide facing the harbour, making it one of the most impressive buildings in Newcastle.

Over the years the building became run down to the point of dereliction.

January 31 2014: After a rather tortuous process of purchase and then moving to settlement, at last Coutts Sailors’ Home, the construction site also known as 16 Bond Street, Newcastle became the property of Alastair and Diane Kinloch.

Some people would say it is a wreck  a hopeless case, far too much work despite much of the external renovation having been done. We hear those people, but we prefer to look at it as a jewel in need of (rather a lot of) polishing, and a great project (to keep Di rather busy).

It will take time but work is about to start.