Nautilus by Geoffrey Bartlett The first commission, worth $100,000, was won by acclaimed sculptor Geoffrey Bartlett for his monumental shell-like Nautilus sculpture. Click image to enlarge

Paper Whale by Jasper Knight & Isabelle Toland The second $60,000 winner was the engaging Paper Whale, a collaboration by husband and wife team, Jasper Knight and Isabelle Toland. Click image to enlarge

The judges universally praised the sculptures, commending Nautilus for its dynamic night-lit form and daytime interplay with the beach views, and the wit and youthful playfulness of the origami-inspired Paper Whale.

Newcastle City Council General Manager and judge, Lindy Hyam, particularly admired the winners for their resonance with Newcastle's diverse society.

"I loved the sculptures' public accessibility. These are not remote works to sit in the distance, but can be enjoyed, touched, handled and engaged with, forming a living part of the culture," said Lindy Hyam.

"They manage to bridge the city's iconic beach and surf cultures with modern stylistic interpretations of where Newcastle is heading as a contemporary city."

Mirvac NSW development chief executive officer, John Carfi, lauded the winners for their outstanding and flawlessly executed concepts.

"Australian's love the beach and we love a bit of culture. Together, the site-specific sculptures will enhance the viewer's experience of both art and the phenomenal natural beauty of The Royal's beachfront site.

"We're thrilled with the winning works and what we hope will be seen as a great cultural addition for the people of Newcastle," said Mr Carfi.

Mirvac will install the two sculptures in The Royal's public plaza and above a stairway to the beach as part of its residential, hotel and retail redevelopment of the former Royal Newcastle Hospital site – one of the oldest and most revered hospitals in Australia.

Royal Newcastle Hospital Heritage Trust's Dr John Duggan, a former doctor at the hospital, has described the sculptures as a worthy tribute to the glorious history of the hospital and its contribution to health care.

Also delighted with the winning sculptures and their prominent public placement is Newcastle Region Art Gallery director, Ron Ramsey.

"Newcastle's reputation as a creative city is well served by great public art to be enjoyed as a communal focal point by all who frequent The Royal's civic domain," said Mr Ramsey.

"Both winners are nationally significant artists who will bring, like The Royal development itself, an extraordinary quality and finish to the city.

"With Geoffrey Bartlett in successful mid-career and Jasper Knight and Isabelle Toland younger artists still forging their way, they represent both Newcastle's past and future," he added.

The two sculptures should be completed and ready for installation in their new beachside home by the middle of the year.