Almost five years since Awaba House was ravaged by fire, the iconic Lake Macquarie landmark has been given a start date for restoration. 

The $6 million rebuild that will include a new function space, outdoor dining terrace, kitchen and cafe, ceremony area, as well as pathways and landscaping will begin in July 2024. 

The task is set to be undertaken by Australian company Baseline Projects, a popular construction firm regularly tasked with updating Defence, education and commercial builds. 

Based on community consultation, Lake Macquarie City Council is proceeding with plans to retain and restore the historically-significant facade and features of the building, with a contemporary addition to the internal layout allowing for a modern hospitality and function space.

The project will deliver a vibrant dining experience for the city while creating a major drawcard for visitors and locals alike.

Awaba House is expected to open to the public in 2025.

The first Awaba House was built on the site in 1887, but was replaced in the late 1920s by the current building.

It was first a private home but was later abandoned and sat derelict before serving as the city’s art gallery in the late 1990s, and as a restaurant and function centre until 2019, when fire tore through the site.

Fire and Rescue NSW attended Awaba House on Tuesday 20 August 2019.

Following thorough investigations, they believe the blaze may have started in the roof cavity of the building; however, advised the cause of the fire was “undetermined” due to the scale of damage to the roof of the building. There were no suspicious circumstances.

In 2020, just months after the fire that partly-destroyed the home, council stated pending approvals, that construction was expected to start early 2021, “with project completion scheduled for mid-2023”.

Delays have meant construction costs have blown out from original costings.

“Due to increasing construction costs and the complex nature of retaining heritage elements, the Awaba House revitalisation project has experienced delays in construction,” states the council website.

“As a result of higher than anticipated tender prices, council approved the reallocation of additional funds, keeping the delivery of the project as a priority for Council. Construction is expected to start in July.” 

For more on this topic:

• Council calls for tenders – June 2023
• Awaba House to be restored – Oct 2021
• Rising from the ashes – Aug 2020
• Awaba House proposals – March 2020

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.