John Singleton reveals his latest hotel projects in East Gosford and Mount White

John Singleton has revealed the latest projects for his beloved Central Coast, including one of the next major stages in the Elanora Hotel revamp.

Millionaire ad mogul John Singleton has revealed his latest projects in the wings for the Central Coast.

In an exclusive interview with the Express, Mr Singleton revealed his plans to build a 40-60 room motel behind the Elanora Hotel in East Gosford.

He has also given an update on his luxurious Mount White lodge plans – to include a “10 star” restaurant and boutique hotel with 20 rooms – which he says will be opened by much-loved Aussie entertainers Hugh Jackman and Keith Urban.

The new-look Elanora Hotel is set for a 40-60 room motel.

John Singleton celebrated the pub’s reopening after Covid with staff and business partners.

Mr Singleton bought The Elanora Hotel in 2019 with the second stage of its major renovations opening after the Covid lockdowns. There are five stages planned for the hotel precinct, however the final three stages have been kept secret.

“The Elanora is a fantastic hotel but it needs a renovation at the back,” Mr Singleton said.

“We want to have a 40-60 room motel attached to it while increasing the size of everything and keeping it a family hotel.”

Mr Singleton said the first stages of the Mount White lodge had been approved by Central Coast Council. The 3.25-hectare site a 231 Pacific Highway, bought in 2020 for $2.3m, is across the road from Mr Singleton’s restaurant and bakehouse Saddles.

Artists impression of the Mount White plans from June 2021 as a house and B&B. Plans stated it “forms part of a longer term vision for boutique style tourist accommodation”.

The lodge will be across the road from Mr Singleton’s restaurant Saddles that he opened because he could not get a decent coffee on the Central Coast. Picture: Justin Lloyd

The “first stage” plans, approved by council in March, include a house and four bed breakfast suites however The John Singleton Group indicated they “form part of a longer term vision for boutique style tourist accommodation on the site”.

Mr Singleton joked it could be his “most ridiculous” waste of money yet and be called “The Grand Mount White Lodge Inn and Hotel.”

“It’s going to have a 10 star restaurant with a champagne bar and be opened by Hugh Jackman and Keith Urban,” he said. “It’s going to be fantastic with a wellness centre, gym, spa.

“People don’t realise Mount White is just two minutes from the Hawkesbury, it’s a great spot. This is where the Hawkesbury Inn used to be.”

Hugh Jackman. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams

and Keith Urban to open the Mount White lodge. Picture: Theo Wargo

Old image of The Hawkesbury Inn as plans are approved for John Singleton’s latest venture.

Mr Singleton said The Bon Pavilion in Gosford is also currently undergoing renovations to turn it into a bar and steakhouse.

The 80-year-old, who lives in Mount White, has always backed the coast and in recent years developed Bonython Tower in the heart of Gosford, Ravello in Point Frederick, Saddles in Mount White as well as buying and upgrading the much loved Elanora Hotel.

Other hospitality developments around Gosford include Pretty Beach House near Killcare which he bought in 2007.

“The Central Coast can have world class restaurants and hotels, look at Bells at Killcare and Pretty Beach House,” he said.

Mr Singleton at Saddles in Mount White. Picture: Justin Lloyd

“All of this in little old Central Coast. The coast is blessed.”

Mr Singleton was vocal in the lead up to the federal election about the lack of money coming to the coast.

However he praised the work of Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart and chief executive officer David Farmer, saying he tossed up moving to Newcastle or Wollongong when the councillors were in power.

“The CEO and Administrator I have great hopes for,” he said. “Approvals are happening.”