Green light for mammoth Doltone House Deepwater Park function centre redevelopment

THE long-awaited transformation of a derelict south west Sydney motorboat club into a $20 million multi-function riverfront hideaway will begin by the end of the year.

THE long-awaited transformation of a derelict south west Sydney motorboat club into a $20 million multi-function riverfront hideaway will begin by the end of the year.

Plans for Deepwater Park’s mammoth new convention centre, open-plan restaurant and extensive gardens have been approved.

When construction begins, as early as September, it will mark more than five years of planning since luxury restaurant and events group Doltone House bought the 16 ha Georges River site, previously home to Milperra’s Deepwater Motor Boat Club.

Doltone House Paul Signorelli executive chairman Paul Signorelli wants to return Deepwater Park to its former glory as a popular community getaway. Picture: Timothy Clapin

Doltone House executive chairman Paul Signorelli outlined his vision during an exclusive tour of the property with The Express last week.

“Once we open here then I can see more and more activities in the park itself, where it has just been forgotten. Since the last 10 years I think this whole place has been forgotten — it’s a beautiful spot,” Mr Signorelli said.

The 250-seater indoor-outdoor restaurant, redesigned by Barangaroo architect Andrew Andersons last year, will feature an open kitchen, wood-fired pizza oven and grand cellar complete with walk-in wine and cheese room.

Mr Signorelli said he planned to host cooking classes in the underground space.

Andrew Andersons AO, who helped design Sydney’s new Barangaroo precinct, was leading the concept architect on the current Deepwater Park design. Picture: Craig Wilson.

A herb and citrus garden, purpose-built chicken coop and pens for livestock will create a “100 metre menu”.

“We want to take back the organic place here … you think you’re on a farm, you don’t think you are in suburbia,” he said.

Meanwhile the dilapidated boat club will be replaced by a sprawling function centre big enough for five functions and 1300 people simultaneously.

A 300-space car park will be attached. Eventually the grounds will host everything from markets to car shows.

Mr Signorelli said designs for a boat house were also in the works.

As part of Bankstown’s Council approval, Webster St will be upgraded from one lane to three.

A target of late 2017 has been set for a grand opening.