Harbord ‘Hilton’: Pub wants to add three-storey, 37-room hotel wing

Community concern is growing after plans to add a 37-room hotel wing to one of the most popular pubs on the northern beaches emerged. See the artist’s impressions.

An artist's impression of the proposed addition of hotel accommodation (right), including 37 rooms and a swimming pool at the Harbord Hotel in Freshwater.

A bid to add a 37-room hotel to the back of a popular northern beaches pub has sparked community concern.

The Harbord Hotel in Freshwater has lodged an application to amend local planning rules to build the three-storey accommodation wing in the carpark at the back of the pub.

But the planning proposal, which is now on public exhibition, has caused a ripple of worry in the beachside suburb, with some locals saying it might take away from the character of the iconic hotel, affectionately known to the locals as the “Harbord Hilton”.

In documents lodged with Northern Beaches Council, hotel owner and chief executive of Epochal Hotels, Glenn Piper, seek to amend the Warringah Local Environmental Plan to include hotel accommodation as an “additional permitted use” at the site.

Mr Piper took over ownership in December 2019 before setting about revamping and upgrading the pub.

The Harbord Hotel at Freshwater.

In June last year Mr Piper won a Land and Environment Court battle to allow it to press ahead with a $2.8m revamp development application, which included converting its first floor into another bar and lounge, with an open balcony.

It would allow patrons to eat and drink on the balcony for the first time.

Now it wants to build accommodation, attached to the pub and its bottle shop, offering 37 rooms, a swimming pool and a gym.

Basement carparking with 72 carparking spaces is planned — adding 39 spaces associated with the proposed hotel accommodation.

A sketch of the proposed addition of hotel accommodation.

In a planning proposal report, consultants stated that hotel accommodation “can be provided on the site without adversely impacting upon the local heritage significance of the existing building, the streetscape or the amenity of surrounding and nearby properties”.

The consultant’s report also stated that the proposed hotel would not result in noise issues “within the existing residential setting”.

An artist's impression of the proposed addition of hotel accommodation, including 37 rooms and a swimming pool, to the Harbord Hotel in Freshwater.

Another sketch of the hotel affectionately dubbed the Harbord Hilton.

“Nonetheless, the hotel accommodation building can be designed to mitigate any impacts that may arise through skilful design techniques and by minimising openings adjacent to residential buildings.”

The carpark at the Harbord Hotel.

But locals, commenting on community social media sites, were concerned the hotel proposal would take away from the ambience of the old Art Deco pub, opened in 1928.

“This is such an iconic pub. I’m sad,” a resident said.

Another pleaded to “leave it as it is”.

A third commented that the pub was “such a beautiful building as it is”.

In a statement Mr Piper said that since taking over the Harbord Hotel “we’ve been dedicated to preserving its legacy as a proud cornerstone of the community for nearly 100 years.

“We’ve approached this responsibility with great care, ensuring every improvement is thoughtfully planned and gradually introduced.

“Our ongoing commitment is to not only create a vibrant destination for the local community but also to strengthen the hotel’s role in the Northern Beaches by providing much-needed short-term accommodation, supporting the local economy, and enriching the area’s vitality.

The pub will remain as it has always been — a home away from home for Freshwater locals — and we’re excited to unveil the new hospitality experience on the second level later this year.”Mr Piper indicated that the proposed plans will increase parking spaces from 23 to 72, adding 49 more car spaces for the high traffic Freshwater Basin - addressing the current shortage in the area. Parking will be moved underground, minimising disruption for neighbouring residents.

Harbord Hotel historically provided accommodation and the team receives regular enquiries from people visiting friends and family looking for accommodation nearby. The current proposal would restore this function, aligning with the Northern Beaches Council’s goal to increase short-term accommodation in the area.

The Harbord Hotel team deeply respects the heritage fabric of the hotel and went to great effort to expose, restore and conserve the original fabric of the building. They have worked closely with heritage specialists to ensure the designs are respectful of the heritage-listed elements.

Incorporating 64 Undercliff into the plans creates a cohesive zoning alignment, considered a positive outcome from a town planning perspective.

This application is for rezoning, with a Development Application to follow. This will offer the community another opportunity to engage with owners and provide feedback.

Importantly, these plans will see no changes to the pub itself, which is set to open the second phase of its refurbishment - the upstairs bar and a recording studio for local artists - this summer.