Clarendon Hotel Newcastle shutting for $33m transformation
Newcastle's Clarendon Hotel closes by year's end for a year-long, $33 million refurbishment expected to reopen next Christmas.
Newcastle's Clarendon Hotel will close at the end of 2026 to undergo a major $33 million overhaul. Owners Stevens Group bought the building and adjoining heritage-listed Fred Ash building in 2020.
Stevens Group later acquired the adjoining Bennett and Wood building. The redevelopment plan includes adding 22 guest rooms, cocktail bars, lounges, a commercial kitchen and a new lobby.
The beer garden will double in size with a retractable roof. Levels two through four of the Fred Ash building will become boutique hotel and cocktail bar space.
The Bennett building will become a cafe, dining and function area with outdoor seating onto Wheeler Place. Stevens Group aims to reopen next Christmas as an upscale hotel and entertainment destination while keeping the art deco character.
Construction will enter and exit via Burwood Street with minimal traffic disruption.
- $33 million
- Investment
- 22
- New guest rooms
- One year
- Project duration
Why it mattersA major city venue closing for a year means locals lose a popular social hub temporarily, but the expansion signals confidence in Newcastle's hospitality market.
AustraliaNewcastle residents and visitors will see a historic pub reimagined; the closure removes a key social venue for twelve months.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 8 d ago
