Parking changes save iconic pub from last drinks

THE widening of the Pacific Highway will not spell last drinks for the historic Tall Timbers Hotel after an eleventh-hour agreement was reached with Roads and Maritime Services to amend its parking plans.

Phil Loone, Catherine Wall, David Meehan, Marc Poole and Robbie Trembath raising their glasses at the Tall Timbers Hotel Ourimbah after changes to road work plans will save the pub’s parking.

THE widening of the Pacific Highway will not spell last drinks for the historic Tall Timbers Hotel after an eleventh-hour agreement was reached with Roads and Maritime Services to amend its parking plans.

The iconic Central Coast pub was facing the loss of 38 parking spaces and potential ruin under the initial design to widen the highway.

The existing parking out the front of the “Tallies” was technically part of the highway’s existing easement but after a campaign backed by The Entrance state Labor MP David Mehan and the Express­ Advocate the RMS has agreed to provide off-street parking adjacent to the hotel.

Here’s cheers, The Entrance State Labor MP David Meehan toasts licensee Robbie Trembath with Catherine Wall, Marc Pooley and Phil Loone from Central Coast Council. Picture: Mark Scott

“What we lose (out the front) we will more than make up for around the side,” the pub’s part-owner Mick Trembath said.

“It was very, very concerning there for a while.”

Under the amended plans the RMS will direct a natural water course to the south of the hotel into a culvert before asphalting over the top of it. The hotel also owns the block diagonally opposite on the same side and is considering turning that into additional­ parking.

The Tall Timers Hotel at Ourimbah will loose 38 car spaces out the front but will more than compensate with new parking around the side. Picture: Peter Clark

Described as the “heart-and-soul” of the pub Mr Trembath said as a result they would turn the southern side of the hotel into the main entrance, extending its trademark balcony all the way around and provide a path “straight into the beer garden”.

Mr Mehan said it was a “fantastic result” not only for the pub but for Ourimbah residents and dozens of local sports clubs the hotel keeps afloat with sponsorship.

“I formally approached the Minister for Roads to see if any changes could be made to amend the original plan and am happy to see the RMS working with our community to come to an agreeable solution.

Widening the Pacific Highway will rip up the parking along the front of The Tall Timers Hotel. Picture: Peter Clark

“Off-street parking will mean our sports clubs and community groups will have plenty of options when it comes to using the Tall Timbers Hotel for functions.

“This great outcome for our community and shows what is possible when we work together to find a solution.”

Central Coast Council manager of Planning and Environment Phil Loone said the amended plans dovetailed perfectly with the Ourimbah Masterplan, which would go on public exhibition in the next couple of months.

“I think this is a good example of state government, local government and local businesses working together to achieve a good outcome,” he said.