The Kingscliff Beach Hotel, formerly known as the Grand Pacific, is set for a $4 million transformation with a major facelift planned for 2013.
According to David Mattick director of the Taphouse Group Pty Ltd, which owns the local landmark, the hotel is set to undergo a significant makeover to turn into a modern, family friendly venue with state-of-the-art facilities.
However he said the building, constructed in the 1930s, would not lose it’s heritage character.
“We wanted to maintain the key feel of the original hotel and enhance this to create a focul point and hub for Kingscliff, Mr Mattick said.
“Construction is expected to take approximately 6-8 months, subject to staging. With work, at best, beginning in February 2012.”
He said the proposed works would enhance the Marine Parade and Pearl Street streetscapes, providing the community with an alfresco bistro garden featuring mature trees for shade, and a dedicated children’s safe play area, incorporating the vacant block of land neighbouring the Hotel.
“Benefits for the wider community also include significant economic flow-on effects for the Kingscliff business centre, with the new Hotel to be promoted to tourists as a‘ destination’ in the style of the Beach Hotel in Byron Bay or the Brunswick Heads Hotel,” he said.
The proposed works also include a family-oriented alfresco bistro garden boasting a fantastic view of the ocean with a beautiful outdoor dining and entertainment precinct and dedicated children’s play area; relocation of the bistro, to feature fire places, lounges, dining and entertainment facilities, to a new area overlooking the alfresco bistro garden and a state-of-the-art Sports Bar featuring pool tables and big screen televisions– this area could become an entertainment space later in the evening.
A Development Application for the proposed works has been lodged with the Tweed Shire Council.
He said Babalou restaurant, above the Hotel, be retained.
“There are absolutely no plans to demolish Babalou, this is an important asset to Kingscliff, he said.
“It will continue to operate for breakfast, lunch and dinner and cater for conferences, weddings and banquets ranging from sophisticated engagement parties, wedding celebrations, community groups, birthdays and corporate functions.”
There will however be some some minor renovation works to restaurant which include a new cocktail lounge and feature staircase entry.
The Taphouse Group also owns the recently refurbished Coolangatta Sands Hotel, Chinderah Tavern (currently undergoing renovations including a new ramp and stairs for disabled access, an extension of the covered deck and significant repairs and maintenance program), Babalou, Coolangatta Sands Backpackers Hostel and Taphouse Cellars Kingscliff.
