Kickon Group’s renovation of the Grand View Hotel in Cleveland Hotel is underway, with the design to incorporate historical features.
Having acquired the Redlands pub in 2022, Kickon Group operated the venue as is, as they worked on a new design for the hotel. As Queensland’s oldest licensed hotel, there were many heritage aspects to work around and incorporate in a much-needed revamp.
Works on the renovation began late last year, but were put on hold due to a surprise find – a water well (pictured below) that sat underneath an area that straddles the kitchen and the walkway to the new outdoor area. Working with Queensland’s Heritage office, Kickon Group amended the design of the kitchen so the water well (or tank), would now be on display rather than covered up.
Craig Shearer, Kickon Group’s CEO and founder, said the well’s incorporation into the design was a great way to honour the venue’s history.
“The discovery of the well was an unexpected, but incredible find. It’s not every day you uncover a piece of history like this, and it’s certainly added a whole new chapter to the Grand View’s story.
“What makes it even more special is its location – almost right at the entrance to the new outdoor area. While much of the venue’s heritage is tied to the interior and the front of the pub, this allows us to weave a piece of that history into the revitalised space, blending the old with the new.
Shearer added: “It’s a beautiful reminder that while we’re renovating for the future, the past remains at the heart of the Grand View, and we can’t wait for our guests, both long-time locals and first-time visitors, to experience it as they walk through the doors.”
A Senior Heritage officer, thanked Kickon Group for the notification of the discovery, and shed some light on its history.
“This early feature aligns with the history and significance of the Grand View Hotel…Originally known as Cleveland House, it was built around 1852 by the Hon. Francis Bigge, MLA — a grazier and advocate for Cleveland as the port for Moreton Bay. Bigge invested heavily in the area, constructing a bond store, wool store.
“A to-let advertisement from 1855…even mentions ‘a water tank, in excellent repair capable of holding many hundred gallons of water,’ which likely references this very cistern.”
An updated offer for the community
As for the rest of the renovation, the Grand View Hotel will soon boast a new kitchen equipped with a rotisserie oven and woodfired pizza oven – serving up fresh rotisserie dishes, pizzas, pub favourites, pasta, and share plates. A purpose-built function space seating around 120 guests will be added out the back, complete with its own bar and restrooms.
Also at the rear of the venue, there will be a range of seating options on the grass overlooking the bay, along with a big screen for live sports. To connect the inside lounge bar to the outdoors, an undercover dining terrace (see render below) is also in the works.
“The renovations are progressing really well. We did pause briefly to ensure we approached the well’s preservation the right way and it meant we had to rejig some of our kitchen plans, but we’re back on track for a late June completion,” said hotel GM Richard Harrison.
“The builders have already tackled a fair bit of the demolition out the back and are now focused on transforming the lounge bar and bathrooms. It’s exciting to see the Grand View evolve – we’re not just restoring a building, we’re creating spaces where the community can gather, celebrate and make new memories.”
The Grand View Hotel is currently expected to reopen in late June or early July.