QT Newcastle gets set for June launch

In yet another significant leap for Newcastle, QT's first regional hotel opens its door this week bringing its signature designer flair to Australia's second oldest city.

Housed in the heritage-listed David Jones building, the 104-room QT Newcastle (QT's ninth property) leads the $880 million East End reinvigoration spanning four city blocks and incorporating three residential buildings.

Reminiscent of QT's adaption of Sydney's Gowings department store into its flagship QT Sydney, Newcastle's second five-star hotel (Crystalbrook Kingsley opened last year) retains the landmark building's historic facade and clock tower, signage dating to 1893 and original pressed metal ceilings.

Original beams from the 113-year-old building (fortuitously half were discovered on Iris Capital chief executive and hotel owner Sam Arnaout's farm) feature in 40 guest rooms.

The design by long-time QT collaborator Nic Graham uses colour blocking and juxtaposing textures to pay homage to Newcastle's industrial heritage and the eastern coastline.

Artwork by six Australian artists — including a silver chair and "2.7" sign (Newcastle's most famous band and the kilometre length of the new light rail respectively) — reference the city's past and present.

Rooms in the nine-storey hotel offer views of either Newcastle Harbour or Christ Church Cathedral framed within floor-to-ceiling heritage windows and no two rooms are the same.

Jade subway tiles star in bathrooms, steel mesh wardrobes on casters mimic coal bins while a corner suite with oversized circular bath sits beneath the back of the historic clock face.