Proposals from operators seeking to lease the historic Newcastle Station on a long-term basis are being reviewed, as the site owner seeks to renew the site's approval.
The Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) has lodged a modification application with Newcastle council to extend the use of The Station Newcastle for events, recreation and retail for another five years.
The site regularly hosts major events, markets and workshops, and houses a bike shop, cafe and bookstore, but the consent for the site is due to lapse on December 18.
The modification does not propose to change any operating conditions.
The Station will continue to be managed by HCCDC, but the state government announced in March that it was searching for an "experienced" operator to lease the former railway station for up to 99 years.
"We are currently evaluating responses to the expression of interest process," a HCCDC spokesperson said.
The previous government partially restored the station buildings and flagged that they could become a hotel, bar or restaurant in line with the site's tourism zoning.
The site is state heritage-listed, meaning a new operator could not knock down any parts of the station, which dates back to 1878.
Various groups such as Renew Newcastle and Hunt & Gather have tried to operate out of the station buildings but pulled out due to a lack of public interest and revenue.
