The Woodgate Hotel is looking to expand with plans to build two raised decks for outdoor, undercover dining that takes in the stunning coastal vista.
Mills Carter Hotels Pty Ltd has lodged a development application with Bundaberg Regional Council seeking a Material Change of Use for the extensions.
The premises has been Woodgate’s “local” since about 1990 and also features a tourist park, overlooking a stretch of the 16km of pristine coastline found along the community’s foreshore.
The application says the Woodgate Hotel extensions would benefit the local community and the tourism industry.
“The Woodgate Hotel is an established and iconic venue that services tourists and locals and this proposal involves an expansion and upgrade to the current facilities,” the application said.
“This application seeks to upgrade and improve the existing facilities through the construction of covered formalised seating areas.
“The proposal includes constructing two raised decks with roofs and establishing a roofed function area and bar on the first floor of the existing deck.
“There would also be a storage area on the southern side of the upper deck with stairs and a lift joining the ground level to the raised decks and first floor of the hotel.”
According to the application, the aim of the upgrades is to provide a more contemporary appearance but the applicant said it would not necessarily increase the number of people using the venue.
“While the proposal would result in an increase to the built form and floor area of the existing Woodgate Hotel, the use of the hotel would not intensify.
“…patrons currently use the lawn area between the front of the hotel and the car park, in addition to the area inside the venue.”
If approved, the proposed development would be undertaken in two stages.
The Woodgate Hotel has plans to expand to formalise outdoor seating 
The Woodgate Hotel has lodged plans to expand what is already a popular venue with patrons enjoying views of the pristine shoreline
Stage one of the Woodgate Hotel expansion would semi-enclose the existing upper deck and fit out the interior for an additional bar and kitchenette, storage area, and dining and seating area.
Stage two would include two rectangular lower decks measuring 3.6 metres wide and 14.6 metres long, which would be covered with waterproof shade sails.
The decks would sit 1.2 metres high.
“Semi-enclosing the existing upper deck (Stage 1) would provide a sheltered area for patrons and may also provide a noise attenuation function,” the application said.
“The two lower decks (Stage 2) would also provide shelter as well as limit (ie. confine) the area of the site used by patrons.
“The proposed extensions would provide a more contemporary and aesthetically pleasing built form exhibiting a high standard of architecture and urban design that would contribute positively to the streetscape.”
The Woodgate Hotel expansion does not propose to adjust its hours of operation.
The application is currently with Council’s Development Group for assessment.
This is a gem for Queensland. Progress has to happen, it helps all to enjoy Woodgate. Good planning helps people to like this project.