The project will include a total refurbishment of the club’s function space (including a pre-function area with a full bar), plus a brand new main bar, sports bar and TAB area, and a new administration area (which will be built upstairs).

Cessnock Leagues Club CEO Paul Cousins said the club aims to provide high-quality function and conference facilities in the Cessnock CBD.

“We’re trying to provide an entry-level alternative to the vineyards,” he said.

The function centre will hold up to 400 people and will be used for everything from weddings to five-day conferences.

A non-smoking courtyard will be built off the function centre, where the club’s administration offices are currently located.

Mr Cousins said the function centre is expected to be complete by July, and work will start in the main bar, sports bar and TAB area after that, with that part of the project expected to be finished by November.