Hospitality operations are set to resume on the former Cessnock Ex-Services Club site soon, after members of the ex‐services club and Cessnock Leagues Club voted in favour of an amalgamation between the two clubs.
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The ex-services club ceased trading in November, after going into administration in April 2017.
The site was sold to property investor Jim Sullivan in January, and the leagues club revealed its amalgamation proposal in April.
At separate extraordinary general meetings on June 12 and 16, members voted overwhelmingly in support of the proposed amalgamation.
“Gaining the formal support from members is the first step towards the former Cessnock Ex‐Services Club site being reopened,” Cessnock Leagues Club CEO Paul Cousins said.
“Following a thorough market research process, the club plans to reopen a large portion of the former club site with a new hospitality venue which has a strong food and beverage focus geared towards a different market segment.”
Mr Cousins said the leagues club and the deed administrator have worked closely together to create the transaction, which will see all creditors paid in full and the Vincent Street venue open in a “new and vibrant form”.
Cessnock Leagues Club will invest almost $3 million into the venture, which will include a significant building refurbishment, capital equipment and settlement of the ex‐services club’s debts.
The new hospitality venue is expected to employ more than 20 people in a range of roles.
Mr Cousins said an application has been made to Liquor and Gaming NSW to have the amalgamation formally approved, which is expected to be granted around August.
Based on the proposed building plans, the new venue is expected to open around November 2018.
