$2.7 million facelift planned for Shaws Bay Hotel Ballina

Shaws Bay Hotel and Fenwick House changed hands late last year - see what the new owners have in mind for the popular riverside venue.

Artist impressions of the new look Shaws Bay Hotel.

Owners of one of the North Coast’s most popular and historic hotels haven’t wasted any time in planning to renovate the site in a multimillion-dollar makeover.

A development application has been lodged by the new owners, Sydney outfit Parras Hospitality, with Ballina Shire Council for alterations and additions to Shaws Bay Hotel and Fenwick House.

The Sydney group is prepared to outlay $2.7m to reshape the ‘Shawsy’ by replacing rear awnings and adding a single-storey enclosure in the rear eastern side of the hotel.

The upgrade will include new steps and planters to the beer garden, demolition of the rear service and gaming room, and a new courtyard in front with awnings and planters.

Artist impression of the new look Shaws Bay Hotel.

Developers also want to doll up the inside, to install a new kitchen with a pizza oven, new bar, and fresh gaming areas.

There will be also be a single-storey detached storage shed for the Fishing Club to the west of the hotel.

The central courtyard will be demolished, removing all current planters, fences, awnings and seating to make way for new wraparound awnings with landscaping, planters and seating.

For Fenwick House, developers have in mind to demolish the existing garage and replace that with two at-grade (above ground) carparking spaces.

A new cool room will be installed west of the existing kitchen, which will be refurbished to include replacement of the opening onto the courtyard.

Artist impressions of the new look Shaws Bay Hotel.

Minor alterations are planned for openings to the first floor bedroom, and the wall and fireplace near the courtyard will be reinstated.

Two new wall mounted illuminated signs are pegged for the hotel as well as one illuminated, free standing timber panel sign.

Twelve trees are scheduled for removal to accommodate the project and finally the current carpark will receive two additional spaces for accessible parking.

Four submissions from impacted residents adjacent to the hotel have raised parking as a major concern.

Kylie Heldt said in her submission that parking in the Shaws Bay area is already a ‘free for all’ and is a ‘serious accident waiting to happen’.

“Families frequent the shops and the natural beach area - along with the caravan park, the hotel car park is always at capacity,” Ms Heldt wrote.

The popular area becomes a ‘nightmare’ around Christmas and weekends for locals who get parked in and struggle to gain access to their homes in Range Street.

Douglas Hollingworth noted concern that excess vehicles ‘could utilise surrounding streets’.

Fellow Ballina resident, Stephen Sherring said visitors often ignored restricted parking signs.

“This was to stop the overflow parking, and cars being left overnight blocking the street,” Mr Sherring wrote.

“This is also a problem for garbage collection as the trucks cannot access the street for collection.”

He said the entrance to Range Street is regularly blocked by cars parking opposite the shops.

Shaws Bay Hotel circa 2022

Three of the four submissions also raised issues with the Madagascar palms being a haven for vermin as well as concerns about noise.

Stephen Foley said the rear stage, courtyard disco, poolroom and departing patrons create ‘horrid noise pollution’.

“To install a beer garden for 50 or so patrons at the front of the Hotel will negatively impact on all local residences into the future,” Mr Foley wrote.

“It shouldn’t be allowed.”