City of Newcastle is moving forward with its plans to renew and re-open the historic Shepherds Hill Cottage to the community.
Work will get underway next week on a $850,000 project that will allow the enviably positioned building to begin its new life as a cafe.
An aerial view of Shepherds Hill Cottage at the top of King Edward Park.
Executive Director Corporate Services, David Clarke, said the adaptive re-use of the Cottage is an essential step in City of Newcastle’s commitment to restoring and preserving the State significant site.
“Shepherds Hill Cottage has stood watch over the city from King Edward Park since the 1890s and remains a cherished landmark along our coastline,” Mr Clarke said.
“As custodians of this historic site we are committed to its long-term preservation and have already invested more than $1 million into the careful restoration of the heritage-listed building, under the guidance of a specialist architect.
“We are now set to embark on the final stage of this renewal, which will deliver the infrastructure required to allow the former mess hall for military officers to come full circle and reopen as a café and restaurant.
“This adaptive re-use will allow the community to once again make use of this remarkable site, ensuring it remains a living part of Newcastle’s story for generations to come.”
The project is supported with a $465,000 grant from the NSW Government through the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.
State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the project would allow visitors to step into the past while enjoying modern facilities.
“Shepherds Hill Cottage is a much-loved site for Novocastrians, which is steeped in history while also being full of potential for the future,” Mr Crakanthorp said.
“The NSW Government is proud to be able to deliver almost half a million dollars in funding for this project, which will unlock this beautiful site’s potential and be of great benefit to Novocastrians and tourists alike.”
The 182sqm building sits at the mid-point on the popular Bathers Way coastal walk and has one of the best vantage points in Newcastle with views of the Pacific Ocean, Port Stephens and the Newcastle coastline through to Dudley.
City of Newcastle has engaged a heritage consultant to oversee the construction work on the building and café space, which will include the installation of a new commercial kitchen and cool room as well as upgraded amenities.
A new footpath and ramped access to the entrance will ensure the building caters for all members of the community, while interpretive signage will also be installed to highlight the heritage of the site.
An expression of interest process was carried out to select a café operator for the site, with final negotiations underway with the successful applicant.
The construction work will be followed by an internal fit-out by the operator, with the café expected to be open early to mid next year.
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 and later served as an integral command position up to the end of World War II.
It is the only coastal defence site in Australia manned simultaneously during World War II by the Royal Australian Navy, Army and Royal Australian Airforce.
From the early 2000s the cottage was leased to Marine Rescue NSW as one of their headquarters, until it sustained severe damage in the 2015 super storm.
Image: Associate Professors Michelle Kelly and Helen English, alongside the Unforgettables choir for people living with dementia, accepting the 2025 Community Group of the Year title at this year’s ceremony. The group meet every Saturday afternoon at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, providing a welcoming space where participants can engage with music.