The major refurbishment project is now more than half completed after the finishing touches were applied to the southern facade.

Not since the days of the 1929 Chrysler, which rolled off the production line the same year City Hall opened, has our architectural jewel looked so good.

It's a testament to the craftsmanship of the contractors and staff who've restored the building, and the patience of the public, that we now have City Hall looking like new again.

The milestone follows restoration of the eastern exterior and clock tower.

Workers are now turning their attention to the western and northern aspects of the building.

This part of the project will include sandstone repair and replacement, removal of corroded steel fixings, and refurbishment of the steel-framed windows and repairs to stormwater damage.

The work is scheduled to be completed in April 2020.

This large-scale conservation work will ensure City Hall stands strong and proud in a pivotal precinct that will quickly grow in stature as a cultural and hospitality hub that will include Newcastle's first five-star hotel in the Roundhouse building.

The highest quality self-colouring sandstone material has been used to replace ageing and damaged stone, with the Sydney basin 'Yellowblock' sandstone excavated from a building site in George Street, Sydney.

The use of high-quality material will ensure the longevity of the building and help reduce future building maintenance.

This large-scale restoration will reduce future maintenance costs and is part of the City Hall Conservation Management Plan adopted in 2008.

For more information on this project, visit the City Hall Restoration website.

City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes