Susanna Freymark
The only pub in the village is getting a $2million makeover.
Renovations will start at the 70 year old Illawong Hotel as soon as the development application is approved. See the DA here.
Hotel general manager Matt Carolan has been at the Evans Head pub for two years and is keen to see spaces opened up so the hotel can better cater for each demographic such as young people and families.
“We will try and stay true to the hotel’s heritage,” Mr Carolan said.
The biggest change will be creating a larger beer garden out the back, knocking down a shed and old residence and putting an undercover stage there.
Right now, it’s a poky space where the smokers sit. That space will also feature a cocktail bar that serves inside and outside customers.
The gaming room will remain where it is but the upgrade will create windows to bring in more light to the area.
The family dining area at the front of the pub remains children and dog friendly.
The kid’s playground will be expanded to give more room to play.
A lift will be put in for easy upstairs access to the 17 rooms that will be reduced to 15 to allow each room to have an ensuite bathroom.
The roof top will have seating and two community barbecues.
Mr Carolan said as the local watering hole, the renovations were “what the town needs.”
During tourist season the population of Evans Head grows from 2500 to 12,000 — and the Illawong is a popular place to go,
“We’re giving some love back to the venue,” Mr Carolan said.”I’m excited about a designated music space.”
Once the DA is through, work is expected to start at the end of February.
