Newcastle is ready to accommodate an influx of new event bookings as the City reopens the doors for functions at its key venues.

Function rooms located within City Hall and the Fort Scratchley Function Centre are now available for hire, with COVIDSafe plans in place to ensure the safety of attendees.

The guidelines will be determined by the one person per four square metre rule and allow seated functions and events only.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the reopening of venues was a positive step as the city recovers from COVID-19 restrictions.

“The City of Newcastle has a well earnt reputation for delivering first-class events, from small scale local functions all the way though to international events.

“While business tourism, family celebrations and community events had to be put on hold in recent months in the interests of public health and safety, we can now welcome people back into our wonderful function spaces within City Hall and Fort Scratchley.

“Allowing bookings for functions and events at these venues will also have a positive flow-on effect for local businesses such as caterers, accommodation providers, event organisers and florists, who rely heavily on the events industry to survive, while traders in surrounding precincts such as Darby Street will also benefit from increased visitation to the city.

“The past week has seen the phones running hot from people wanting to book the City’s venues.”

A comprehensive COVID-19 Safety Plan has been developed for all City of Newcastle venues to protect the health of the community and staff, including enhanced hygiene measures and distancing measures.