Awabakal
NSW
Newcastle
The Beach Hotel renovation takes you back to the memories, achievements and loves that were made (and lost) there in the 1970’s and 80’s. When things were simpler; your focus on the person and the beach in front of you.
The Beach Hotel is the spiritual home to Australia’s oldest board riding club, overlooks a National Surfing reserve and has had many famous – and infamous – moments. The levity and complexity of bringing her back to life informed the development of the brief.
Excellence is achieved in honoring heritage but also by creating a space that seamlessly integrates history, originality and craftsmanship into a timeless setting for communal connection and appreciation of Newcastle’s iconic beach culture. We worked with a deep respect for history and aimed to bridge generations, creating evocative moments of nostalgia for the past while embracing Newcastle’s vibrant future in an engaging space with heirloom quality and durability.
The refurbished interiors of the Beach Hotel breathe new life into the iconic 1940s building, blending influences from its long-demolished art-deco predecessor with the hedonistic spirit of 70s and 80s surf culture. The playful and fluid heritage interpretation embraces the hotel’s colourful history without being confined to a single period, integrating the building’s rich heritage fabric with the robust character of a surf club.
The joy of uncovering and preserving layers of Newcastle’s past is evident in the photographs, memorabilia, and vibrant material palettes inspired by the existing fabric. Clever internal planning creates new connections while establishing functional zones, each with its own distinct character. Exceptional craftsmanship is showcased throughout, from 70s-inspired tubular metalwork to rolled zinc bar edges and sign writing, reflecting Newcastle’s industrial heritage. Collaborations between artists and craftspeople, coupled with compelling storytelling throughout the design, foster a strong sense of shared community ownership of this local landmark.
The flow of service and guests is supported through the open-ended circulation of all 3 floors of the venue. Staff and guests have the ability to access any point of the hotel freely during regular and busy periods. Both open facing kitchens work to benefit the speed of service for BOH and FOH alike. Finishes have been considered with regards to durability in the marine environment and heavy patron traffic, to reduce time and money spent on cleaning, maintenance and aid the longevity of the fitout. Flexible acoustic solutions provide us with zoning opportunities on ground and first floors.