Casula: Crossroads Hotel lodges $33m plans for major upgrade

A popular southwest Sydney pub, known for being a drinking hole for infamous serial killer Ivan Milat, has lodged plans for $33m worth of upgrades.

The Crossroads Hotel is set for a revamp. Picture: Google Maps

A popular southwest Sydney pub, known for being a drinking hole for infamous serial killer Ivan Milat, has lodged plans for $33m worth of upgrades.

Local favourite the Crossroads Hotel in Casula has been around since the 1830s and has a colourful past.

It was once known as the drinking hole of Milat, who reportedly used the area as his hunting ground due to it being the last stop before the Hume Highway.

Ivan Milat. Picture: Supplied.

The hotel was also the centre of a large Covid outbreak back in 2020, where an infected traveller from Victoria dropped in.

The last major renovation of the hotel was in 2017, with developer Sonnel Hospitality lodging plans for the latest upgrade.

An aerial view of the Cross Roads Hotel in Casula. Picture: Liverpool Council

A planning report, complied by Urbis Ltd on behalf of Sonnel, outlines the plan to demolish certain parts of the building such as the beer garden, function room, outdoor TAB, terrace, hotel component and rooftop elements.

The proposed revamp includes an increase to 39 hotel rooms, new courtyard and outdoor spaces, kids area and new carpark.

An artist impression of the proposed upgrades to the Cross Roads Hotel. Picture: Liverpool Council

The report states the proposal aims to “complete an overhaul of the internal food and beverage offering and function spaces”.

“The development brings a renewed focus on food and beverage offerings to foster a family friendly environment,” it states.

“Additionally, the provision of a kids’ area will facilitate visits and usability from families with younger children.”

The Crossroads Hotel made headlines in 2022 when it sold to former Sydney Lord Mayor Nelson Meers at a record breaking $160m.

The hotel was previously ranked ninth on the state government’s December 2021 list of most profitable gaming pubs.