Rafferty’s Resort at Cams Wharf earmarked for a $14m upgrade including new pub and function centre

There’s major plans to reinvigorate a popular village resort on the shores of Lake Macquarie – and some residents aren’t seeing the value. Read the details.

Developer Iris Capital is proposing the development of a new pub and function centre at Rafferty's Resort at Cams Wharf, worth more than $14 million. Credit: EJE Architecture

Residents of a quiet coastal town on the shores of Lake Macquarie say plans for a multimillion-dollar upgrade at a popular village resort would be “completely inappropriate”.

Developer Iris Capital, which has recently purchased five of the key resort lots at Rafferty’s resort in Cams Wharf, has big plans for the once award-winning venue, which has had little investment over the last 20 years.

It has proposed to demolish the existing function centre on Wild Duck Dr and reinvigorate the site with a newly built pub and brand new function centre, costing just over $14 million.

While construction is taking place, the developer also plans to install a marquee as a temporary function centre to accommodate up to 200 people.

Artist impression of the proposed new development at Rafferty’s. Credit: EJE Architecture

Aerial shot of the Cams Wharf site. Credit: google maps

The two-storey redevelopment would see a tavern built on the ground level, including 30 gaming machines, a TAB, lounge and dining, the a klower level is due to include a pool terrace, spa, sauna and gym

An upper level is set to host a three-room function centre, which could accommodate 100 guests, featuring ‘his and hers’ wedding suites.

The works are part of a major plan by the developer to reinstate Rafferty’s to its “original status of a leading tourism destination” and lifestyle precinct – the heart of the village.

Also in the pipeline, Iris Capital intends to lodge future plans for the site, including construction of eight two-storey villas, 46 residential apartments and a state significant development of a “storey hotel” with more than 140 rooms.

The current Rafferty’s Resort. Credit: EJE Architecture

But the impressive plans have been met with plenty of criticism from residents, with more than 50 submissions submitted in the exhibition period so far, most objecting to the development.

Peter Swan from the local Neighbourhood Association said residents would be adversely affected by increased traffic, noise and an extra load on parking.

Murray Beach resident Ian De Landelles wrote a submission indicating the development was “totally out of character” with the existing structures and takes away from the charm of the area.

Meanwhile, resort property owner Rosalyn Wolfers also opposed to the plans, stating a tavern with gaming machines would not be family friendly and she had concerns about substantial traffic increases.

Property owner Gary Buckland said it was inappropriate for the environment and the project had an inadequate traffic management plan and limited parking.

Resident Liam Wilson said the developer should “leave the town as it is before it all get destroyed and developed”.

Developer Iris Capital is proposing the development has a new pub and function centre. Credit: EJE Architecture

Concerns were also raised about the height of the new building which would be 12.83 metres, more than 4m above the current height limit of 8.5m.

Planners stated in council documents the development would encourage tourism development and complement the location, giving it the thumbs up.

“Overall, it is considered that the proposed development will have a positive social outcome for the local area, and support the aspirations of Rafferty’s as a developing and expanding tourist centre able to serve the current and future population,” the planner said.

“The project will have a positive economic impact on the local economy, by providing increased recreational opportunities, job creation and services that meet the needs of residents.

“The operation of the development will provide up to 20 full time jobs, including casual and part time jobs suited to younger people, or older semi-retirees.

Opening in 1993, Rafferty’s resort won an array of accolades in its early years, including “the best tourism of the decade” in the 1999 NSW Tourism Awards.

By 2009, the resort comprised of 168 self-contained tourist units, of which 15 were permanently occupied, 18 used as ‘weekenders’ and 135 let for tourist accommodation.