Merewether pub upgrade fails to impress council after residents’ concerns over crime, noise
City of Newcastle has rejected the major revamp of a popular pub after some residents claimed the project by hotelier Andrew Lazarus “beggars belief”.
Newcastle
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UPDATE:
Councillors have knocked back plans for a major renovation of a popular Merewether pub.
The $3.1 million project was put to City of Newcastle's Development Applications Committee on Tuesday night, after being given the go ahead by council staff.
Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes was among councillors to express concern over similar issues raised by about 150 residents who made submissions in response to the proposal.
Councillors unanimously voted developer Andrew Lazarus amend the development application to address concerns around noise anti-social behaviour.
EARLIER:
Plans for a major upgrade giving a popular Merewether venue a slick new look have been given the green light by City of Newcastle staff.
A development application for a $3.1 million revamp of The Beach Hotel was lodged by owner Andrew Lazarus late last year.
Council staff have recommended the project be approved, putting a report forward to councillors at Tuesday night’s Development Applications Committee meeting.
Among the proposed changes to the local heritage-listed venue were moving live music from the ground floor to the first floor, a new terrace to make the most of coastal views and increasing capacity to 1230 patrons.
Illuminated signage and window shutters were removed from the original plans to maintain the heritage aesthetic.
Mr Lazarus bought the property as Zenith Hotels in 2019. The hotelier also owns Hamilton’s Exchange Hotel, Shoal Bay Country Club and a number of venues across Sydney.
Despite being given the go-ahead by council staff, the project has drawn criticism from the Merewether community, particularly around plans to keep the venue open until 3am.
About 150 public submissions were lodged in response in the development application.
Merewether Community Group, which represents about 200 residents, claimed the developer had not done any public consultation, despite saying it would.
“The community is primarily concerned with hours of operation, noise, smoke affectation, signage and anti-social behaviour,” Peter Fallon said in the group’s submission.
“We have always been available to work with any stakeholder regarding the redevelopment of the hotel however have unfortunately been by and large a spectator to the process rather than being involved.”
Merewether’s Holy Family Primary School also objected to the development.
“It is a regular occurrence to walk past beer bottles and litter on our way to the beach and past the hotel,” a school representative said.
“We often have to sweep up broken glass on our basketball court as a result of bottles thrown over the fence.
“Unfortunately individuals who have had too much to drink often wreak havoc as they walk past the school.
“Increasing the size of the hotel means more patrons so we envisage more anti-social behaviour and littering.”
Residents Karen Goldrick and Oliver Brown said the proposal wasn’t consistent with the feel of the suburb.
“The parking and traffic is already stretched and drunken bodies are already commonly seen and heard around the streets coming from this establishment at all times of the evening,” they said.
“I believe the quiet seaside feel of Merewether will be lost for good.
“The (Beach Hotel) as it is, is tolerable, just, but anything beyond this beggars belief. This is not a city centre but a place people live.”
Zenith Hotels director Peter Lazarus said community consultation had been held in December, and resulted in amendments to the plans.
“The application represents an 18 per cent reduction in the venue’s capacity, as well as a greater emphasis on dining especially on the first floor where patrons will enjoy some of the best views in Newcastle,” Mr Lazarus said.
“The Beaches plays a significant role in serving the local community.
"The renovation will carefully preserve the heritage components of the building, including the stunning art-deco facade.
“The Beaches’ new product offering will celebrate many elements of the venues rich history. I truly believe the proposed renovation will transform The Beach Hotel into one of Australia’s most iconic hospitality venues, one all Novocastrians will be proud of.”
In a report prepared by City of Newcastle, council staff said social impacts of the development were considered acceptable.
“Conditions regarding hours of operation, CCTV management, maximum patron capacity and a (plan of management) are included in the recommend development consent conditions,” the report said.
EARLIER:
Revealed: Plans for multimillion-dollar pub reno
On November 4, 2020
An iconic Merewether venue will get a slick new look according to plans lodged with City of Newcastle.
Owners Zenith Hotel Group have lodged a development application proposing a $3.1m overhaul of The Beach Hotel.
The plans include structural and cosmetic changes, as well as a shift in the venue’s use.
The development will “depart from the previous live music venue offering, and focus more heavily on the bar and dining experience,” the application said.
A deck is proposed to overlook Merewether Beach.
The development application said the renovations would better highlight the building’s original 1940 features.
“The proposed works aim to open up the internal spaces to free up the transition between areas of the hotel and make the layout more flexible,” it said.
“Internal walls and elements will be demolished and removed throughout the bistro, toilet facilities, TAB and alfresco gaming room, all of which date to between the 1990s and 2017.”
Unused accommodation on the upper floor would be cleared for a bar with views over the ocean.
The Lazarus family bought The Beach Hotel as Zenith Hotel Group in November last year.
The Sydney hoteliers already own Exchange Hotel in Hamilton and the Shoal Bay Country Club in Port Stephens.
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