Historic Awaba House reopens after seven-year rebuild
The 1927 Awaba House in Booragul, gutted by fire in 2019, opens next week after an $7.8 million restoration.
Awaba House, built in 1927, burned heavily in August 2019 in a fire believed started by an electrical fault. More than seven years and a cost blowout from about $5.2 million to $7.8 million later, the Booragul venue is finally ready to open.
Lake Macquarie City Council opens the building Friday, with the cafe serving from Monday and the restaurant opening November 5. The Sydney-based Catering Group, founded by catering expert Greg Barclay and chef Adham Aston, runs the cafe and restaurant under a five-year lease.
Workers retained the northern and western facades, porch, verandah and chimney, and restored the foyer, lounge and other spaces to match the late-1920s character. The opening hallway will feature photographs and artworks of Awaba House through the years.
- 1927
- Original build year
- August 2019
- Fire date
- $7.8 million
- Final restoration cost
- Greg Barclay and Adham Aston
- Operator founders
Why it mattersA significant heritage building is saved and restored, bringing a premium dining venue to Lake Macquarie and boosting local tourism.
AustraliaLake Macquarie visitors now have a restored heritage venue alongside the nearby Museum of Art and Culture, creating a stronger cultural precinct.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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