Jolly Frog Hotel Windsor wins appeal to undergo multimillion rebuild following fire, long-running planning battle

A western Sydney historic pub – dating back 150 years – could soon be welcoming back punters after a fire tore through the venue more than decade ago.

The hotel was severely damaged during a fire in 2014.

A western Sydney pub could soon be welcoming back punters after a fire tore through the venue more than decade ago.

The Jolly Frog Hotel in Windsor is set to be given a new lease of life following a long-running development dispute between the site’s owner and Hawkesbury Council.

The 150-year-old pub and hotel has remained boarded off to locals after the building was severely damaged in a suspected arson incident in January 2014.

In the decade since, many residents have lobbied for the pub to reopen with some locals even starting their own Facebook page called ‘Save The Jolly Frog’.

Prior to its closure, the hotel was known as a popular watering hole and live music haunt which hosted many up and coming bands including heavy metal acts.

The hotel has been boarded off since the fire in 2014.

A $7.8 million proposal was lodged with the Hawkesbury Council in 2018 to rebuild the pub however the plans were refused by the council partly due to heritage concerns.

The site has remained closed ever since.

The site’s owner Sam Mustaca has now had a long-awaited win in the Land and Environment Court to carry out the redevelopment.

The pub’s history dates back to the 1800s.

The new two storey venue will come complete with dining and gaming areas, a function room with a capacity of about 100 patrons and an upper level bar and veranda.

The rebuild will also incorporate components of the fire damaged heritage building which were able to be retained in the wake of the blaze.

As part of the upgrade a new beer garden, amenities, landscaping works and carparking spaces will also be created.

A photo of fire crews at the site in 2014.

Development plans stated the project will “provide high quality development that will service the Windsor community and provide a place of social interaction and entertainment”.

“The proposal incorporates appropriate design to ensure that the best design outcome is achieved for the site while still maintaining the notable heritage features,” the plans stated.

“The development also will provide significant employment opportunities once completed as well as employment opportunities during construction.”

Heritage studies show the site has operated as a hotel since the early 1830s.

Before being named the Jolly Frog, the hotel traded as ‘Currency Lass’, ‘Harp of Ireland’, and the ‘Done with the Olive Branch after the Flood’.