Major makeover for historic hotel

BANGALOW Hotel is set to undergo a major revamp, with plans for $13 million in improvements to the venue.

Central Coast-based Fabric Architecture Studio lodged a Development Application for alterations and additions to the pub, which was built in the 1940s and is currently owned by former NRL star Tom Mooney and his wife Cathryn, with Byron Shire Council.

The vision aims to “complement not replicate” the building’s heritage attributes and provide a more functional year-round venue, reusing existing materials where possible.

Under the proposal, the eastern and western extensions to the original building will be removed and replaced, with a second bar added to service the beer garden as well as new disability access ramps and a lift.

The live music room will also be demolished and replaced with a gaming area and the dining deck extended.

But some members of the community are concerned the proposed design is not in keeping with the village’s heritage streetscape.

“There are wonderful examples around the world of heritage buildings with contemporary designed additions,” longtime local Jenny Bird said.

“These projects create a successful conversation between the old and the new where the new does not overwhelm the old.”

Ms Bird said once the Byron section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail was complete the hotel will be one of a string of watering holes, including The Eltham Hotel and Common People Brewing Co. in Bangalow’s industrial estate, that will attract a new type of clientele.

“They will mainly be families and locals who will be seeking a casual, shady, family- and bike- friendly place to quench their thirst and get a bite to eat,” she said. “Think country pub with a big shady beer garden. In my opinion the proposed design misses the mark completely for the pub’s future clientele.”

Ms Bird said it was important that the people behind big projects like this consider the streetscape in which they sit.

“The iconic main street of Bangalow is a small, intact heritage street,” she said. “The proposed additions do not respect the Bangalow streetscape in bulk or scale.”