Work begins on Stuart Hotel
THE Stuart Hotel in Townsville is having a multi-million-dollar makeover.
Construction will start this week to provide facilities including an expanded bistro, new children’s play area, new kitchen, larger gaming room and new hotel entrance.
The hotel and motel will trade through the work.
The general manager of the Lillywhite Hotel Group which owns the pub, Jamie Bennett, said it was time to upgrade the venue and provide better services for patrons.
“It’s looking a bit tired. The town is starting to progress out that way. The owner wants it to be more appealing,” Mr Bennett said.
The hotel was developed in Stuart Drive, Wulguru in 1973.
The original Stuart Hotel, also on Stuart Drive, was a little further out of town.
John Holland Construction will undertake the work, which is expected to create about 50 jobs.
The hotel’s TAB area will have a new layout, modernising the room, while the public bar will have a new Glycol cooling system offering 14 beers on tap and an improved range of spirits.
“There will be large glass doors in the cold room enabling patrons to view all the beers, ciders, mixed beverages and wines on offer,” Mr Bennett said.
“Overall, an increase in stock and range across the bar will be available.”
The bistro room will be expanded and include a new children’s room.
He said the bistro bar would also have 14 beer taps, providing traditional and craft beer. And the kitchen will be extended.
An extension of the hotel will accommodate the new gaming room and a new office building. The work is due to be completed by December.