The building was constructed between 1937 and 1939 for the Newcastle Electricity Supply Council Administration and was originally known as '' ' N.E.S.C.A House ' '' . The interior , designed by Guy Allbut , originally comprised a demonstration theatre , showroom , offices and staff accommodation . In 1959 , when Shortland County Council became responsible for electricity supply in the Hunter Region , they constructed a three storey extension at the back of the building . A tower was added in 1967 and remodelling was carried out in 1969 and 1970 . After the council vacated the building in 1987 , a radio station and an architectural practice moved in . The building only sustained cosmetic damage during the 1989 Newcastle earthquake . In 1995 , the University of Newcastle established a library there . It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999
1989 Newcastle earthquake
1989 Newcastle earthquake
University House, Newcastle, New South Wales