Club opens new chapter with official redevelopment launch

Cessnock Leagues Club has officially opened the doors to its landmark redevelopment project, marking a major new chapter for one of the Hunter region’s long-standing community clubs.
The project was officially opened on Friday (September 4) by NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris, who joined club representatives, founding committee members, community leaders, industry stakeholders, members and guests to celebrate the milestone.
The $25 million redevelopment is the biggest project in the club’s 46-year history and has significantly expanded and modernised the venue, creating a destination designed to cater for the needs of Cessnock’s growing community and visitors alike.
Designed by leading architectural firm ALTIS Architecture, the project has approximately doubled the club’s footprint to around 1400 seats, with a new restaurant, expanded bistro and café facilities, upgraded bars and more than 1700 square metres of outdoor space. The new outdoor precinct features landscaped areas, alfresco dining, a courtyard, children’s playground and a dedicated outdoor stage for live entertainment.
“These new facilities provide more opportunities and more space for our community to come together and socially connect,” Cessnock Hospitality Group CEO Paul Cousins said.
“The venue’s increased capacity will also make a greater contribution to our local economy through increased spending with local suppliers and, more importantly, increased employment opportunities.
“We currently employ around 100 people, and we expect that number to grow to approximately 125 employees over the next two years as these new facilities become fully established.
“For us, that is ultimately what this redevelopment project is about – not simply building a bigger club, but building a club that can make a bigger contribution to its growing community.”
Minister Harris said it was a privilege to be part of the official opening of the refurbished club.
“It is fantastic to see a community club expanding its facilities to provide such an impressive and broad range of offerings – from play space for the kids, to beautiful outdoor space for alfresco dining and live entertainment,” he said.
“Congratulations to CEO Paul Cousins and the management team, President Bruce Wilson and the Board, the builders, designers and architects and everyone else involved in developing such an amazing end product.
“It’s a club that all members and the broader community should be proud of.”