Cessnock: Proposed renovations for the Australia Hotel, equip with a new beer garden

A Hunter Valley pub is up for major renovations including a new beer garden, but will it get approved? See the pictures.

The Australia Hotel in Cessnock has development plans for a refurbishment, including a new beer garden. Credit: Fabric (Cessnock Council agenda)

Approval of a major refurbishment at a popular Cessnock pub could prove difficult with concerns raised over noise and lack of parking.

The owner of the Australia Hotel, on Wollombi Rd, has proposed major renovations in a bid to modernise the hotel and make it more “family friendly”.

It would include a revamp of the kitchen and dining room, a brand new beer garden equipped with a pop-out pizza kitchen, alfresco dining and bar area, and a children’s playground.

“It’s been a while since it had any renovations,” Manager David Anderson said.

Artist impressions: Part of the alfresco area proposed at The Australia Hotel, Cessnock. Credit: Fabric (Cessnock Council agenda)

“We’ve definitely got in mind a more Sunday afternoon vibe, and a really relaxed, chilled out space.”

Mr Anderson said the upgrade of the hotel, which was first opened in February 1924 and is listed as an item of environmental heritage, would also go towards the beautification of Cessnock.

“We want to make it attractive for all the car driving by,” he said.

Artist Impressions: The New dining area refurbishment. Credit: Fabric (Cessnock Council agenda)

“There is a trade benefit for us but there is a benefit for Cessnock as a whole.”

But Cessnock Council staff have made recommendations for the proposal to be refused at Wednesday’s council meeting.

It’s on the basis that the proposed development is likely to have an adverse impacts on the surrounding residents, including increased traffic and unacceptable noise.

What the Australia Hotel is set to look like after renovations, if approved. Credit: Fabric (Cessnock Council agenda)

Council recommendations suggest the development is unable to provide adequate on-site parking and is not consistent with the aims and objectives of the Cessnock Development Control Plan.

“The proposal is not considered to be in the wider public interest,” the council report said.

First lodged in July last year, the development application went on public exhibition and received three submissions in objection to the proposal, relating to traffic generation, increased demand for on-street parking and noise.

Councillors will take a vote on the proposal on Wednesday, although there is thought, added conditions could get it across the line.

What’s being proposed:

* Internal modifications and refurbishment of the kitchen and dining areas;

* Construction of a new freezer and cool room;

* Installation of roof windows to the central atrium;

* Construction of a beer garden along the north-eastern elevation of the building which will include a pop-out pizza kitchen, alfresco dining, bar area and children’s playground;

* Construction of an open-style timber pergola over the beer garden;

* Construction of a 3.2 metre high boundary wall along the north-eastern boundary of the site;

* Construction of a 3.2 metre high decorative acoustic barrier along the frontage of Wollombi Road.