ROCHE GROUP has lodged modified plans for its Harrigan's Irish Pub at Cameron Park but hopes to obtain approvals before the end of the year in order to begin construction in 2021.
The company, which has developed Cameron Grove estate - where the pub will be - and other nearby subdivisions over the past decade, submitted the plans to Lake Macquarie council last week.
A development application for the hotel was initially approved by the council in 2008 with amended plans then approved in 2016.
The latest modification includes alterations to the pub's internal layout and architectural design. Adjustments have also been made to the landscaping, car park and the site's access point.
Wes Van Der Gardner, Roche Group's general manager development, said the changes would make for a more contemporary venue.
"This will be the fourth Harrigan's pub in our portfolio," he said. "We've got the Hunter Valley Gardens Harrigan's, which we renovated about 18 months ago, and we've also undertaken some renovations during [COVID-19] to our pubs up on the Mid North Coast and in south-east Queensland.
"We've just taken the best out of all of those and consolidated that into our new pub at Cameron Grove.
"We really re-thought the design in terms of the pub's aesthetic to create a more modern feel but still including some traditional elements such as gables and conventional roof forms."
Mr Van Der Gardner said "trends in pubs change very quickly" and by modifying the plans again it would enable the development of a facility that is "very current" and "a real focal point".
"There is a real shift towards pubs being a focal point for communities," he said. "Having some indoor/outdoor kids play areas with that family-focus at the heart of it and also the entertainment options in terms of the terrace areas being semi-indoor, semi-outdoor.
"There's something for everyone and the local community there that have bought into our estate are very keen for this to open."
Lake Macquarie north ward councillor and Cameron Park resident Kevin Baker said the suburb had experienced "a massive amount of growth" in recent years and the venue was well needed.
"The addition of a local dining and meeting place will be welcomed with open arms by Cameron Park locals, and we look forward to having a new specialty pub and dining location in our area," he said.
The hotel will be built on a block of land next to Cameron Park Plaza, which is set to house a variety of businesses.
Woolworths recently opened in the shopping centre and a McDonald's is also planned for an adjacent site.
