Batemans Bay: Builder lifts lid on Bayview Hotel’s ‘major facelift’

The mystery of a popular, historic South Coast pub’s future has finally been revealed, after it was suddenly closed off to the public for “renovations”. Here’s what we know.

The Bayview is closed for a "major facelift". Picture: Tom McGann

A builder has lifted the lid on the mystery surrounding a popular, historic South Coast pub’s future, after it was suddenly closed off to the public.

The historic Bayview Hotel in Batemans Bay was first opened in 1879 and has since become a renowned venue in the coastal tourism hotspot, with the community shocked scratching their heads when the doors to the pub, restaurant, and accommodation business recently shut.

Bayview Hotel co-owner Michael Kouper – who also owns the renowned Kingston Hotel 150km away in Canberra – has remained tight-lipped on the pub’s future, with only a broad statement from the Bayview team being released.

“The Bayview Hotel is temporarily closed for renovations,” the team said.

“Thank you for your understanding and support.”

The Bayview will reopen sometime this year. Picture: Tom McGann

Now, a builder – who wished to remain nameless – has exclusively given this publication a hint about what is happening inside the boarded up Bayview Hotel.

“It’s only very early stages,” the builder said.

The Bayview has been closed for weeks. Picture: Tom McGann

“But it is a huge facelift. We’re really bringing it into the 21st century.”

The builder said rumours of building upgrades were false, saying the structure would stay as is.

“We’re keeping the bones of the building; the heritage will remain as is,” they said.

But, the source revealed the interior was being completely overhauled to modernise the facility.

Bayview owner Michael Kouper has stayed tight-lipped over current happenings at the Batemans Bay staple pub. Picture: Tom McGann

“It’s going to look really good,” they said.

It is believed the facelift will also see a new team running the facility, with the former staff and manager’s lease reportedly not renewed.

Mr Kouper was contacted for comment regarding the facelift, however he did not respond.

The new and improved Bayview Hotel is set to reopen later this year.

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Originally published as Batemans Bay: Builder lifts lid on Bayview Hotel’s ‘major facelift’