Shepherds Hill Cottage Now Available for Lease as a Café through Tender Process

Newcastle’s historic Shepherds Hill Cottage, a landmark that has stood watch over the city since the 1890s, is now available for lease with plans to transform it into a café. The City of Newcastle has opened a tender process, inviting expressions of interest from potential operators to breathe new life into the iconic site, offering a unique opportunity to create a dining destination in one of the city’s most picturesque locations.

Shepherds Hill Cottage has a rich history, originally built as part of Newcastle’s coastal defence network following the 1878 Royal Commission into Colonial Defences. It played a key role in World War II, serving as a command post for the Royal Australian Navy, Army, and Air Force. In more recent times, it was used by Marine Rescue NSW until a severe storm caused extensive damage to the building in 2015.

Restoration work on the heritage-listed cottage was completed in 2022 after a three-year project overseen by a heritage architect. The works included removing hazardous materials, restoring the interior and exterior, and upgrading facilities to make the site accessible to the public. The renovation was part of a broader conservation effort for the Shepherds Hill Defence Group, ensuring the historical significance of the site is preserved while preparing it for adaptive re-use.

With approval from Heritage NSW, the cottage is now ready for its next phase as a café. The lease will be awarded through a tender process, with potential operators encouraged to submit their proposals by 10th October 2024. The successful applicant will be announced shortly after.

Situated at 41 The Terrace, Newcastle, the cottage boasts stunning views across the city and coastline, making it an ideal location for a café. Operators are expected to deliver a high-quality dining experience, with a focus on integrating the site’s rich history into their business. The space offers both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as plans for a commercial kitchen, cool room, and additional storage.

The tender process will consider the expertise and experience of applicants, especially those with a background in operating heritage or hospitality venues. Shepherds Hill Cottage is set to become a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists, blending Newcastle’s history with a modern dining experience.

Interested parties should submit their expressions of interest to Commercial Collective, with details available on their website.