BELMONT 16 Foot Sailing Club hopes to win development approval and complete construction of a $14 million renovation project before its 100th birthday in 2022.
Plans being assessed by Lake Macquarie council propose an extension and alterations to the existing building. The upper floor would be extended to the west in line with existing ground-floor footprint, creating new private function terraces, a rooftop bar and restaurant.
Existing ground floor and upper levels would be altered to improve internal connections, the lakeside setting and outdoor spaces.
"We are hopeful that we can commence this milestone renovation in early 2022," the club said in a project update.
"We feel our club's centenary project will ensure that Belmont 16s is the jewel in the hospitality crown of Lake Macquarie for many years to come."
The extended building's height would reach 9.7 metres in some areas - 1.2 metres above the development standard of 8.5 metres but below the existing auditorium's height of 12.2 metres.
Planning documents describe the development as "sympathetic to the site's lakeside setting" and and say it "will not result in any significant visual impacts to views to and from public areas or across the lake".
"The proposal will not result in adverse impact on the lake or foreshore," it says.
However the DA, lodged in April, attracted five submissions during its recent exhibition from residents raising concerns about the extension impacting lake views and on-street parking.
