Jerry Schwartz threatens legal action against City of Newcastle over hotel slide

Hotel mogul Jerry Schwartz has threatened legal action against the City of Newcastle following a development control order regarding unauthorised installations at the Rydges hotel. The order requires the removal of a waterslide, a miniature train, and a train shelter within 30 days.

Dr. Schwartz claims the council’s actions are “vindictive,” arguing that the waterslide has been a feature of the hotel for three years without prior complaint. He suggests the sudden enforcement is a reaction to his opposition to the council’s rejection of a proposed carousel installation.

A spokesperson for the City of Newcastle stated that the non-compliant items were identified during the assessment of the carousel development application. The council noted that they are not the only New South Wales authority to object to Schwartz’s approach to development, referencing previous disputes regarding the restoration of the Newcastle Post Office.