Stevens Group have lodged plans with Newcastle Council for the heritage redevelopment of the Clarendon Hotel, Fred Ash Building and the Bennett Building. The amalgamated site will have access directly through to Wheeler Place and the Newcastle Civic Theatre breathing life into the Clarendon and also into the heart of Newcastle.
The application, if approved by Council, will lead to a full renovation of the existing Clarendon hotel with a new lobby, cocktail bars and lounges on the ground level for guests and patrons as well as twenty two new hotel guest rooms. The centrepiece of the plan is for a 3-level atrium above the existing courtyard, complete with an operable roof to create an oasis in the middle of the city.
Heritage items have been high on the agenda with plans to retain the existing structures which were built in the 1930’s ensuring the preservation of the historical charm of the buildings. The new Clarendon’s design retains its art deco public bar to Hunter Street. The existing ceilings and fireplaces in the Fred Ash Building will be retained providing a sense of the building’s original heritage.
This new lease of life, and its central location, will result in the Clarendon becoming one of Newcastle’s finest entertainment and boutique hotel venues.