Argyle House's planned transformation from infamous nightclub to luxury home has taken a major step forward.
The nightclub, formerly known as Fanny's, was once Newcastle's most popular nightspot, but the venue has been closed since Boxing Day 2024.
Under plans, now approved by the City of Newcastle, the nightclub will be redeveloped into a multimillion-dollar five-bedroom home being marketed as the Argyle Residence.
The development also has approval for a 32-square-metre lap pool, a kitchen and dining area, a formal lounge, plus a separate library and study, a sauna and gym, and a three-car garage on the 1000-square-metre block.
Newcastle hospitality entrepreneurs Russell Richardson and Greg Mathew have owned Argyle House since 2011 but hope to sell the approved plans for another party to develop.
"After close to 15 years as the keeper of this significant building, we are open to move on with the offer of a DA-approved state heritage site that is modern yet respectful of the area and the history of the building," Mr Richardson told the Newcastle Herald.
"Whilst we will consider doing the project ourselves, we are definitely open to agents, builders or buyers in regard to its sale.
"It's an amazing spot, and with the help of heritage and council, we can now offer the only freestanding residential house in Newcastle with the harbour, transport, gyms, museums and restaurants a stone's throw away.
"The Argyle has lived its life as an entertainment venue and is now ready for the next life."
The site is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register and located in the Newcastle City Centre Heritage Conservation Area (HCA).
The approved plans retain the main building on the Wharf Road and Argyle Street corner, which was built in 1857 as the headquarters of the Australian Agricultural Company.
The rear buildings have approval to be demolished and will be replaced with a two-storey development.
"The proposed additions are not considered to be dominant in the Wharf Road streetscape, which does not have an overall established heritage character," Newcastle council wrote in its development assessment report.
"The majority of buildings in the immediate context are contemporary developments that are much larger than the existing structures on the subject site.
"These are identified as neutral and non-contributory to the HCA. The scale of the additions is diminutive compared to the neighbouring buildings."
There was only one submission during the public exhibition period, which was in favour of the development.
The Argyle Residence would be one of the only freestanding homes in the Newcastle CBD and is located close to the harbour, cafes, restaurants and city beaches.
"While a dwelling house is not ordinarily permissible within the MU1 Mixed Use Zone, the proposed use is considered compatible with the existing and emerging land use context, which comprises a mixture of residential, tourist accommodation, commercial and hospitality development," the council said in the development assessment report.
"The proposal represents an appropriate adaptive reuse outcome for the site and will contribute to the diversity and activation of the city centre while maintaining consistency with the strategic planning objectives applicable to the locality."
While the Argyle House has been shut to the public for the past 18 months, Newcastle teen rock band Jetlag recently filmed the video for their debut single Sight For Sore Eyes inside the venue.
The video was filmed and directed by Joel Black of TommiRock Studios and was part of Jetlag's prize for winning the 2025 Bandwidth competition for high school rock bands in Newcastle and the Hunter.
The members Cooper Chaplin (vocals, guitar), Cooper Gardiner (drums), Reuben Karsten (bass) and Toby Upton (lead guitar) are year 11 students at Kotara High School.
