Growing focus for pub refurbishment – Aite Group

In a bid to cater to a wider range of patrons, many pubs around Australia are being refurbished to not only enhance and modernise their offering, but importantly to include spaces  that appeal to families, according to independent construction company Aite Group.

Aite Group, which undertakes specialist fitouts and refurbishments for the commercial, hospitality, retail and government sectors, as well as doing new builds, has recently completed the refurbishment of the 143-year-old Royal Mail Hotel at Tewantin, which has just re-opened for business, for Australian Venue Co. (below image) 

It is now working on delivering the complete refurbishment of The Sands Tavern at Maroochydore for Australian Venue Co. 

The Sands Tavern the latest trend in pub refurbishments and fitouts was the growing focus on families.

“Perhaps traditionally pubs were considered to be the domain of adults, but the image has evolved  over the years and continues to evolve, and the design for refurbishments reflects this,” he said.

“In the pub refurbishments we have been involved in over the years we have seen a growing focus on  broadening the appeal of existing establishments to families. 

“This includes the addition of spaces that will engage families, such as the creation of outdoor seating and grassed areas, as well as playgrounds and even features such as basketball courts.”

Aite Group Co-Director Joe Stewart, told The Hotel Conversation, hotel operators were investing significantly in venues across  the country, and particularly in Queensland.

“In addition to looking to cater more for families, pub owners are looking to create venues that bring entertainment, atmosphere and food offerings that make our pubs social community hubs,” he said.

“We are seeing the modernisation of pubs in refurbishments to bring patrons in, while maintaining those attractive heritage features that make the pub a classic feature of a suburb’s streetscape.”

The refurbishment of the Royal Mail Hotel at Tewantin delivered by Aite Group for Australian Venue Co included the complete refurbishment of all bars, the restaurant, kitchen, gaming room and sports  bar, with the addition of new external beer garden spaces. Level 1 was also transformed into hotel accommodation, while the external area of the hotel was completely refurbished including the installation of a new roof, landscaping and a carpark, while maintaining the heritage façade.

The refurbishment for The Sands Hotel at Maroochydore will include a revamped bistro, bars, gaming  room and the addition of a new external beer garden, designed with families in mind. It will also have  upgraded entertainment, refreshed seating areas and enhanced outdoor experiences, including new  sports screens, feature lighting, integrated landscaping and a redesigned kids’ play space.

Aite Group’s success is based on a collaborative delivery model that supports operators throughout  every stage of construction. They understand the commercial realities of hospitality venues, from  protecting trade and staging works, to coordinating services and meeting peak season deadlines.  Their goal is always to revitalise the venue, minimise disruption and deliver outcomes that generate  lasting value.

L to R: Ben Wright and Joe Stewart.

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