An ocean-view cafe and restaurant open both the day and night are in the works for Shepherds Hill Cottage according to new plans by Newcastle council.
A development application has been lodged for a food and drink premises at Shepherds Hill Cottage atop King Edward Park, which was built in the 1890s.
The venue will cater for up to 100 guests.
The proposed operating hours of the cafe would be 6am until 3pm, seven days per week. The restaurant hours would be 6am until midnight Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 6am until 10pm Sunday to Wednesday.
An operator has not yet been chosen for the site, but the application stated about six to eight employees would work from the space.
An operator will be chosen following DA approval.
The estimated cost of the development application is $743,933.
The state government has committed $465,000 to fit out the historic building with a kitchen, storage and cafe facilities.
The council also spent more than $1 million overhauling the scenic but run-down cottage to open it to the public.
The cottage was extensively damaged during severe storms in April 2015 and subsequently underwent asbestos removal which left the internal fabric in a poor condition.
Conservation works took place in 2020 and 2021, where original features, layout and some 1920s detailing were reinstated.
The development application involves fit-out works which include adding ambulant toilets and a ramp, a new entrance gate and converting existing bedrooms to accommodate a lounge/exhibition space and staff room. However the original layout of the existing cottage will be retained.
The building was originally used as a mess hall for colonial military officers, and more recently housed the Marine Rescue NSW Newcastle base.
The cottage's transformation into a cafe will coincide with Newcastle council's plans for the next section of the nearby Bathers Way. The council has released concept designs for an upgraded pathway between The Terrace car park and Shepherd's Hill Cottage down to South Newcastle Beach.
The Bathers Way plans include wider footpaths, more seating and lookout platforms.
