University House, Newcastle, New South Wales

University House
Location300 King Street, Newcastle, City of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
Coordinates32°55′40″S 151°46′17″E / 32.9279°S 151.7713°E / -32.9279; 151.7713
Built19371939
ArchitectEmil Sodersteen in association with Pitt and Mereweather
OwnerUniversity of Newcastle
Official nameNesca House; University House
TypeState heritage (built)
Designated2 April 1999
Reference no.217
TypeIndustrial office/admin building
CategoryManufacturing and processing
BuildersRatcliffe & Kirsopp
Location of University House in New South Wales
University House, Newcastle, New South Wales (Australia)

University House is a heritage-listed building in Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. Located on the corner of King Street and Auckland Street, it was designed by architect Emil Sodersten in association with local architectural practice Pitt and Merewether. An example of Art Deco style, the design was inspired by the streamlined functionalism of contemporary architecture in Europe.

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.