Builders tear through $8mil revamp to get beer garden ready
With a fresh lick of paint, an $80,000 TV and $8 million worth of dressing up, Townsville’s Seaview Hotel is poised to reopen earlier than expected.
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With a fresh lick of paint and $8 million worth of dressing up, Townsville’s ‘old girl’ is poised to reopen earlier than expected.
Seaview Hotel has commanded its post since 1889 – originally built as a timber hotel and known as the army officer’s during WWII – this Townsville treasure is tipped to be a game changer for the Strand.
And now, it’s been revealed the anticipated return of its famous Sunday sesh will return with a new beer garden in late August, instead of February 2021 as initially planned.
General Manager Jason Schell said COVID-19 closures meant builders were able to tear through work earlier than expected and all that remains of its former self is the 1930s facade.
“I can’t wait, it’s going to be a magic spot and there’s a lot of excitement around from our current patrons and also new ones who want to come by and check out what the old girl now looks like,” he said.
“We’ve invested a lot of money over the last few years in big screen TVs, like that big monster out the back.
“That’s an $80,000 TV and what better way to watch sport than around that with the sea breeze in your hair and a live music out the front.”
Returning to its old fashioned roots but with an ultra modern feel, Mr Schell said the new look venue was designed to attract old and new punters alike.
“We’ve always been a venue that’s targeted at family friendly and we want to attract all types of people whether it’s coming in for pool, the live music, to have a beer and light meal,” he said.
“To see that corner, the best bit of property to come back as a people viewing bar again where you can sit at and check out the cars on a Sunday that’s appealing and that exciting.
“This is somewhere new for every Townsvillian – they need it, they deserve it.”
Demolition works have begun to make way for a new gaming room on Gregory street for a November opening, followed by the front bar with ocean views scheduled to be finished by February 2021.
Originally published as Builders tear through $8mil revamp to get beer garden ready