Final stage begins in Shepherds Hill Cottage revival as café opening nears

newy.com.au – Final touches are underway on the revitalisation of Shepherds Hill Cottage, bringing the 130-year-old King Edward Park building a step closer to reopening as a café with sweeping coastal views.

Work on the adaptive re-use of the former military mess hall has been underway since late 2025, with the heritage-listed site being transformed into a hospitality venue while retaining its historic character. The café, to be known as Eddie’s at Shepherds Hill, is expected to open in the coming months.

Local hospitality operators Noah Leonard and Blake Gontier will helm the venue, drawing on their experience at Arthur’s Pantry and Ronnie’s Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley.

City of Newcastle Asset Advisory Committee chair Cr Declan Clausen said finding a new use for the site was important to keeping it open and accessible to the community.

“Shepherds Hill is an iconic coastal landmark that has played an important role in the history of this city,” Cr Clausen said.

“This project has focused on highlighting the cottage’s historic character while bringing new life to the site, and it’s exciting to think the community will soon be able to enjoy the space and celebrate its heritage as part of everyday life.”

Acting executive director corporate services Kathleen Hyland said City of Newcastle had invested more than $1 million in the restoration of the State significant site, with work guided by a specialist architect.

“We understand the importance of preserving and enhancing places like Shepherds Hill Cottage to create ongoing connections between our city’s past and present,” Ms Hyland said.

“This is why City of Newcastle has invested more than $1 million into the careful restoration of the heritage-listed building, under the guidance of a specialist architect.

“Revitalising the cottage with the infrastructure needed for it reopen as a café and restaurant, while also highlighting its unique history with heritage interpretation signage, will ensure it remains an important, accessible part of Newcastle’s story for generations to come.”

Construction is being overseen by a heritage consultant, with the current phase including a new dining space, commercial kitchen, amenities building and interpretive signage upgrades. The work is also being supported by a $465,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.

Mr Leonard said the project carried personal significance for the operators.

“Growing up in Newcastle, this project feels personal. We’ve spent a lot of time in and around this area, so being able to contribute something back to the community here means a lot to us,” he said.

“The heritage of Shepherds Hill Cottage has played an important role in shaping both the design of the space and the overall offering, and we wanted to create something that respects its history while making it part of everyday life again.”

Mr Gontier said the focus of Eddie’s would be simple hospitality done well.

“Our focus has always been on consistency, making sure that no matter when someone visits, they know they’re going to get great service, great coffee, and a really considered experience,” he said.

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the community was eager to see the site activated and reopened to the public.

The 182-square-metre building sits at the mid-point of the Bathers Way coastal walk and offers views across the Pacific Ocean and coastline from Port Stephens to Dudley. Shepherds Hill Cottage forms part of the Newcastle Recreation Reserve and the Shepherds Hill Defence Group Military Installations precinct on the NSW Heritage Register. Along with the battery observation post and gun emplacement, it was originally designed to defend Newcastle’s coal port and later served as a command position during World War II.