With stunning views of the coastline and a rich place in the city’s history, a revitalised Shepherds Hill Cottage will open to the public for the first time Wednesday as Newcastle’s newest cafe.
Eddie’s at Shepherds Hill will be brewing coffee and serving up tasty treats, marking a full circle moment for the 1890s-built former military mess hall following a $1.8 million transformation by City of Newcastle.
Café operator Noah Leonard, City of Newcastle Acting Executive Director Corporate Services Kathleen Hyland, Lord Mayor Gavin Morris, State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp and café operator Blake Gontier officially cut the ribbon on Eddies at Shepherds Hill.
Lord Mayor Gavin Morris believes the new chapter for this iconic building will be embraced by Novocastrians.
“Shepherds Hill Cottage has been a fixture of the coastline for more than 130 years and has played many roles in Newcastle’s history, but remarkably has never been open to the public like it will be from tomorrow,” Cr Morris said.
“It was previously occupied by Defence and then Marine Rescue NSW in years gone by, but has never been somewhere that anyone could walk in and visit, so giving another heritage location back to the community to enjoy is a special moment.
“It is a beautiful spot on Bathers Way to pause for coffee and a bite to eat, a well-deserved reward at the top of the hill for those who walk, ride or run past here. It’s the perfect place to rest and take in the view before continuing your journey.”
Interim Executive Director of Corporate Services Kathleen Hyland said City of Newcastle was proud to lead the project to protect and enhance the State significant site.
“We think the community will be impressed with how the project has sympathetically adapted the Cottage for a new use, while showcasing and preserving the important heritage elements that tell the 130-year story of the site,” Ms Hyland said.
“City of Newcastle’s investment of more than $1.8 million to restore and re-use the space shows how we are revitalising community assets in a way that everyone can enjoy and be proud of, while also providing opportunities for local businesses to thrive.”
Eddie’s joins the ranks of recent café openings in City of Newcastle-owned spaces, including Sunnyboy Park at Foreshore Park, First Light Café at Lambton Park, and Hilliers Café at Newcastle Art Gallery.
Local hospitality duo Noah Leonard and Blake Gontier of Noke Group, who are taking the reins at Eddie’s, completed the café’s finishing touches this week and are looking forward to welcoming Novocastrians into the site from tomorrow.
“It’s been a long road to get here, so we’re excited to finally open the doors and welcome the community in,” Mr Leonard said.
“Alongside More Atelier, we’ve put a lot of work into creating a venue that respects the history of the site while giving locals and visitors somewhere great to eat, relax and enjoy one of Newcastle’s most iconic locations.
“We hope Eddie’s becomes a place people love to visit, whether it’s for a morning coffee, breakfast with family or simply to enjoy the incredible surroundings.”
Shepherds Hill Cottage has been restored and adapted for use as a café by City of Newcastle, opening to the public for the first time.
The project began with work to restore the building following the 2015 super storm, which caused more than $800 million of damage across the region including to the Cottage and forced tenants Marine Rescue NSW to vacate the building.
Marine Rescue was able to move into a $3 million purpose-built facility on land managed by City of Newcastle at Stockton in December 2023. The 600 square metre, two-level building features a radio room, crew and training areas, administration areas, vessel and equipment storage, and can act as a command centre during major incidents.
The most recent work across the Shepherds Hill site included installation of a commercial kitchen, upgraded amenities and a new accessible entry path, with heritage interpretation signage to be finalised in coming weeks.
This final phase of the restoration project was supported by a $465,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.
State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the NSW Government was committed to supporting projects that provide enhanced public spaces for all members of the community.
“Shepherds Hill Cottage has important Newcastle history in its walls,” Mr Crakanthorp said.
“It has been great to support this project which has helped to unlock this beautiful site’s potential and be of great benefit to Novocastrians and tourists alike.
“I am looking forward to stopping in for a cuppa and a bite to eat whilst taking in such a beautiful view of our wonderful coastline.”
The building sits at the mid-point on the popular Bathers Way coastal walk and has one of the best vantage points in Newcastle, with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastline from Port Stephens to Dudley.
Shepherds Hill Cottage forms part of the Newcastle Recreation Reserve and Shepherds Hill Defence Group Military Installations precinct listed on the NSW Heritage Register.
The Cottage, battery observation post and gun emplacement were originally designed to defend Newcastle’s burgeoning coal port, later serving as a command position throughout World War II.
It is the only coastal defence site in Australia crewed simultaneously during World War II by the Royal Australian Navy, Army and Air Force.