By Triana O'keefe, editor Australian Hotelier
After acquiring the Newport Arms last month, Justin Hemmes has revealed a three-year renovation schedule for the hotel which will focus on creating a community hub with a food focus..
During a meeting with the more than 100 current staff, Hemmes announced the extended closure period would significantly reduce the employment opportunities and that approximately only 10 members of the team would be needed to operate the public bar and bottle shop.
A lower ground temporary makeover will form stage one of the venue refurbishment, to be completed in time for summer this year.
Stage two will concentrate on the ground level, public bar and restaurant, while the final stage is scheduled as a complete redesign of the lower ground floor.
Hemmes told the current staff the project is expected to generate over 400 jobs and they will be invited back upon completion.