The weather has been quite reasonable over the holiday break and so work on Caves Beachside has progressed well particularly with the new wetlands and reshaping of the village houses area.

Internally the New Hotel is well on the way to completion with carpet being laid last week in the two functions rooms and other flooring finishes close to completion. The Sports Bar now features a great colourful montage of horse racing and a cricketer on the wall with joinery being installed in a nice timber finish.

The toilets are all but done with the stunning marble hand washing basins and the shimmering blue tiles a standout. The kids club mothers room is complete including the fold down baby change table and the kitchenette which will allow parents to heat up a baby bottle or food.

The main bar is taking shape with beer lines currently being installed and the completion of the all important keg room and associated cool rooms being done. We have gone to considerable detail to even refrigerate the rubbish storage area to eliminate the potential smell of seafood platter remnants!

Externally the striking timber decking is two thirds complete with timber slats completed down the side of each wall below the glass wind breaks. The closure of the former southern side of Mawson Close is now complete with turf laid and trees planted. The landscaping team has since done a great job rescuing the turf as it was laid last Thursday in temperatures above 40 degrees, not the best type of day to lay grass!

The stunning Beach Suites are being constructed off the site as the wetlands need to be completed before these buildings can be sited. We are very pleased with the progress and are excited about their intended layout and finish. We hope this type of accommodation proves very popular as they will features some striking water and ocean views.

The opening of the New Hotel is planned for around the end of February and the Honourable Member for Lake Macquarie and Mayor Councillor Greg Piper has kindly agreed to unveil the plaque to celebrate the opening of Lake Macquarie’s newest tourist facility.

Until next time bye for now.

Bill Saddington

Project Director