Noosa nightspot Rolling Rock’s final days as owners plan $350k reno

It’s the last days of the Rolling Rock in Hastings St as the new owners reveal details of a massive refurbishment of the nightclub including its new name.

A legendary Noosa nightclub is in for a major makeover and a name change as new owners take over the Hastings St venue.

Rolling Rock is open for another three weeks before it will close in October for a $350,000 refurbishment, to reopen as Aqua Lounge and Nightclub.

New co-owner Ken Woods said the layout of the club would change, with space taken from the dance floor in favour of a cocktail bar, a luxe VIP area with chandeliers, plus lounges where people can sit back and enjoy their drinks.

“The bars will look amazing,” Mr Woods said.

“In keeping with the aqua theme with the blues and LED lighting but I don’t want to divulge too much.”

The Rolling Rock will make way for Aqua Lounge and Nightclub in Hastings St, Noosa Heads. Picture: Letea Cavander

For those who like to boogie, a podium will be installed as part of the dance floor, and the second bar will also receive a revamp.

The fake green plant wall is out, making way for a colour scheme of four shades of aqua throughout the venue and some luxe floor coverings including a dark grey carpet with aqua speckles through it.

The wall of fake green plants is out to make way for a colour scheme of four shades of aqua in the interior of the venue. Picture: Letea Cavander

A new green room will eventually welcome live acts and the staffroom and exterior are receiving an upgrade.

Mr Woods was an Australian barman of the year in the 1990s and has been in hospitality since he “could walk” because his parents owned several New South Wales venues.

“I used to sleep on the benches in the kitchens and polish the cutlery as my mum and dad worked and worked,” he said.

Mr Woods worked at the Sydney casino, managed nightclubs and resorts and also has a business partner in Rolling Rock who owns a part share.

Co-owner Ken Woods is excited about opening a new venue in Noosa's glitter strip. Picture: Letea Cavander

“He is a good friend of mine for over 35 years and we were in business together in Sydney when we were in our mid-20s,” Mr Woods said.

He said the co-owner was a “Noosa local” of 23 years but wanted to remain anonymous for now.

“He knows the town extremely well and what the town and local people want and have been lacking for many years,” Mr Woods said.

The dance floor at the Rolling Rock nightclub will reduce in size to make way for a cocktail bar and VIP area. Picture: Letea Cavander

He said the pair, with combined hospitality experience of more than 50 years, was “totally customer service focused” and wanted to bring an “awesome night out” for young and old Noosa residents.

“I’m putting everything I’ve got into this,” Mr Woods said.

“I really want it to work.”

He said while the nightclub was becoming fancier, the drinks would remain reasonably priced.

The Rolling Rock is receiving a $350,000 refurbishment including two new-look bars. Picture: Letea Cavander

The nightclub will continue to trade as the Rolling Rock until the end of this month, close in October for the refurbishment and open at the end of October as Aqua.

A VIP launch party will be held in November.

The legendary Noosa nightspot has hosted several A-listers since it opened as the Rolling Rock in the 1990s.

U2 lead singer Bono watched on as two of the band’s entourage were ejected from the Rolling Rock for wearing open-toed sandals in 1998.

Two members of U2’s entourage were controversially ejected from the club in 1998 for wearing open-toed sandals.

Lead singer Bono, guitarist The Edge and drummer Larry Mullen stood by as two of their 16-strong group failed to meet dress regulation requirements.

Forde Property selling agent Jessie Allen said the business sale attracted “multiple offers” from local and interstate buyers.

“We are excited to see the end result,” she said.

“This is something many locals have been waiting for.”

The building the nightclub calls home, at 28/18 Hastings St, was sold in February this year and settled on May 2 for $4.825m.

Originally published as Noosa nightspot Rolling Rock’s final days as owners plan $350k reno