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Renovations are underway at a historic 1880s pub after plans for multiple beer gardens and hotel upgrades were given the tick of approval.
The heritage-listed hotel is a landmark in Tewantin and has a rich history in the region’s Cobb and Co era.
Plans for extensive restorations of the Royal Mail Hotel were first submitted to Noosa Council in September 2023 on behalf of its owner, Australian Venue Co.
The plans outlined a range of internal and external building works to “rejuvenate” the site on the corner of Poinciana Avenue and Diyan Street.
This included the demolition of the existing drive-through Liquorland bottle shop and amenities block at the front of the building to create two new beer gardens.
Renovations were also slated for the upper-level accommodation units to provide each of the 13 rooms — which are currently serviced by one shared bathroom — with their own bathrooms.
During a public notification period in May 2024, Noosa Council received 41 submissions, with 33 in support of the proposal and nine objections.
Most objections related to traffic, parking or noise concerns for nearby residents.
A planning report submitted to Noosa councillors during a general committee meeting on Monday recommended the development for approval.
The report outlined that after changes to the original plans, the development aligned with the Noosa Planning Scheme and Heritage and Character Area Overlay.
Among the modifications to the original plans was the transformation of a vacant lot at the corner of Blakesley and Diyan streets into a 30-space car park.
“The proposal has been assessed against the current Noosa Plan assessment benchmarks and is considered to generally comply with the applicable requirements,” the report stated.
“The proposed alterations are considered sympathetic to the original building with conditions imposed to address aspects such as balustrade and fencing.”
The report stated conditions would be imposed to ensure acoustic fencing is provided around the beer gardens, as well as restricting hours of operation and noise levels.
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During the meeting, discrepancies were discussed regarding the potential inclusion of a children’s playground in an earlier stage of the planning process.
However, council planning coordinator Nadine Gorton stated no playground was approved in the current plans and that the applicant would need to submit further documentation if they wanted to include a playground at a later stage.
Mayor Frank Wilkie said the hotel upgrades were “welcome” and “long-awaited”.
“This project is a catalytic project. It will revitalise the Tewantin CBD,” Cr Wilkie said.
“It’s been a topic of conversation for years: what’s happening in the Royal Mail, when is it going to get a facelift, when is it going to get upgraded?
“It’s a welcome application and has regard to the art deco heritage look and feel of the existing premises.”
Cr Wilkie moved a motion to approve the development, based on the recommendation, which was carried unanimously.
A statement from the Royal Mail Hotel said the venue would remain open while renovations were underway.
“Renovations have begun on the Royal Mail Hotel and we’re thrilled to be bringing our Tewantin community a new sprawling beer garden along with a refreshed bistro and sports bar,” the statement to Sunshine Coast News said.
“We’re looking forward to re-opening our doors later this year, in the meantime, a pop-up bar with food and drinks is available to order from.”
The Liquorland has already closed to the public.
