Shoalhaven City Council has approved a development application that includes the addition of five shops, including the construction of two new shops, on the ground floor, a deck extension, a new basement garden bar, and the modification of upstairs accommodation.

Owner Todd Salter said renovations will begin in November. He recognises the importance of the long-standing building to Milton residents and its rich heritage.

“Basically it’s important for Milton and we want to treat it as such,” he said.

“We want it to be a real positive for the area.”

Mr Salter said he has been approached by a talented chef who wants to run the bar, food and brew some local beer. 

“The public bar will remain as it was, the beer garden will be much more user-friendly.”

He also said retailers were positive and looking to move into the ground floor shops.

The hotel’s development is proposed over two stages. Stage one involves the conversion of existing floor area from the corner of Wason Street along the Princes Highway into three shops. 

A single storey extension will be constructed to the east for two new shops, refurbishment of the pub including a new deck extension, enlargement and refurbishment of the existing basement area which includes the installation of amenities and use of a bar and the conversion of existing accommodation on the first floor into five visitor rooms.

A new verandah and awning top frontage will follow in stage two. Mr Salter said a realistic expectation for completed renovations was “8 or 9” months away.

A statement of heritage impact, completed by Zenith Town Planning concluded the proposed works will benefit the “community and local economy by providing additional commercial space in an attractive historic setting”.

“Restoration of an historic building will cause flow-on effects to the town centre and is likely to stimulate refurbishment of other private heritage-listed properties in Milton.”