The Blue Mountain Hotel first opened it's doors in 1888 to a small number of travellers in Toowoomba. 134 years on, Cayas + Ward, in collaboration with contractor Newlands Group, have recently completed a renovation of the heritage building with the addition of a sports bar.

The existing bottle shop and driveway was removed to allow for reinstatement of Blue Mountain Hotel’s veranda, carefully detailed to reflect the original building’s heritage in collaboration with Extent Heritage. This veranda was reconstructed to closely resemble photographs dating back to 1905, from the nominated paint colours to the specially selected cast-aluminium balustrading. 

Much care was taken to contrast these heritage elements with a bold new sports bar adjacent with a well-integrated connection comprised of seamless glazing.  The striking concrete entry acts as a transitional space between old and new, inside and out.  

The Sports Bar took over the footprint of a warehouse bottle shop, so the design is reminiscent of this aesthetic with exposed services and structure. The pared-back palette of timber, brick and concrete is lifted by a colourblocked blue ceiling, sleek back bar mirrored shelving and a hand-painted mural of the neighbouring heritage building found in a newspaper from the 1890s.  

The gaming room occupies the heritage footprint of the pub, which we drew on to create a luxe, dark aesthetic with a nod to quintessential country design. In order for the original brick to be preserved and exposed, we had to ensure it remained untouched, so all joinery is either bench mounted or created from existing elements.  

The bistro couldn’t keep guests out if it tried, so we left this space mostly untouched and upgraded finishes and fixtures to widen the demographic. All existing timber and brick has been retained to remain true to the laid back appeal of the dining area.  

It's always a privilege working with heritage-listed buildings, and we are grateful whenever we are faced with the challenge of modernization that retains the authenticity of a venue.  

The result of this refurbishment is a successful contrast between old and new, and we are proud to have breathed new life into this iconic old pub. Thank you to all involved.

Client: Endeavour Group

Photographer: Cathy Schusler

Completed: 2022