Club Dakota, Ringwood, to undergo $8m rebuild

WORK on transforming Ringwood’s burnt-out Club Dakota site into a major entertainment complex including a new nightclub and beer garden will start this summer — but people expecting it to have a similar vibe as before are in for a surprise.

AN $8 million entertainment complex including a new nightclub, beer garden and function centre is planned for Ringwood’s burnt-out Club Dakota site.

Construction of the new three-storey building is expected to begin this summer after Maroondah Council approved the permit in August.

Dakota nightclub blaze Ringwood: fire destroys eastern suburbs club

The site, at 123-127 Maroondah Highway, is owned by former councillor Joe Cossari. His son, Joe Cossari Jnr, is the new building’s project director.

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Mr Cossari Jr said a new nightclub and late-night hotdog shop would be on the ground level.

A gastropub with a tropical-themed beer garden and VIP cabanas is planned for the first level and a 150-capacity function centre for weddings and parties, Hyde, will be on the second level.

The first artist’s impression of a planned three-level development at the burnt-out Club Dakota site in Ringwood. Picture: Supplied

It will include a rooftop cocktail courtyard.

Mr Cossari Jr said the new building was designed to be a “family-friendly” entertainment complex to appeal to all ages.

“That part of Maroondah Highway was very vibrant for families and we want to try and bring it back,” he said.

Club Dakota was destroyed in a suspicious fire in May 2016. Police say they are still investigating.

The site was the scene of a major blaze in May 2016. Picture: Steve Tanner

Mr Cossari had told Maroondah Leader in January he was hopeful of having the rebuilt Club Dakota open by the end of this year.

But Mr Cossari Jr said last week there had been delays because of behind-the-scenes work to secure preferred builders.

He hoped construction would begin by February and the building would open in September 2018.