A new chapter in the history of Shepherds Hill Cottage is one step closer, with final touches underway to transform the 130-year-old building into a café with Newcastle's most stunning views.
Work on the adaptive re-use of the former military mess hall atop King Edward Park has been underway since late 2025, transforming the site into a new hospitality space while maintaining its strong historic character.
Shepherds Hill Cottage has one of the best vantage points on Newcastle's coastline.
Expected to open in coming months, Eddie's at Shepherds Hill café will be helmed by local hospitality duo Noah Leonard and Blake Gontier, who bring experience from popular Hunter Valley venues Arthur's Pantry and Ronnie's Pokolbin.
Chair of City of Newcastle's Asset Advisory Committee Councillor Declan Clausen said exploring new uses for the site was an important way to keep it open and accessible for the community.
"Shepherds Hill is an iconic coastal landmark that has played an important role in the history of this city," Cr Clausen said.
"This project has focused on highlighting the cottage's historic character while bringing new life to the site, and it's exciting to think the community will soon be able to enjoy the space and celebrate its heritage as part of everyday life."
Acting Executive Director Corporate Services Kathleen Hyland said City of Newcastle is committed to protecting the State significant site.
"We understand the importance of preserving and enhancing places like Shepherds Hill Cottage to create ongoing connections between our city's past and present," Ms Hyland said.
"This is why City of Newcastle has invested more than $1 million into the careful restoration of the heritage-listed building, under the guidance of a specialist architect.
"Revitalising the cottage with the infrastructure needed for it reopen as a café and restaurant, while also highlighting its unique history with heritage interpretation signage, will ensure it remains an important, accessible part of Newcastle's story for generations to come."
Construction on the project is being overseen by a heritage consultant, who has helped guide work on the new dining space, commercial kitchen, amenities building and interpretive signage upgrades.
This phase of the project is supported by a $465,000 grant from the NSW Government's Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.
Noke Group Directors Noah Leonard and Blake Gontier said they want to create a space that feels warm, welcoming and accessible to the community.
"Growing up in Newcastle, this project feels personal. We've spent a lot of time in and around this area, so being able to contribute something back to the community here means a lot to us," Mr Leonard said.
"The heritage of Shepherds Hill Cottage has played an important role in shaping both the design of the space and the overall offering, and we wanted to create something that respects its history while making it part of everyday life again."
Mr Gontier said Eddie's is about keeping things simple and doing them well.
"Our focus has always been on consistency, making sure that no matter when someone visits, they know they're going to get great service, great coffee, and a really considered experience," Mr Gontier said.
"I cannot wait to show what our company is about and be proud of what we can create."
State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the NSW Government was committed to supporting projects that provide enhanced public spaces for all members of the community.
"Shepherds Hill Cottage is a much-loved Newcastle landmark. I know the community is keen to see it activated and open to the public," Mr Crakanthorp said.
"It is great to see this project take another step closer to completion and unlocking the potential of this beautiful site."
The 182sqm building sits at the mid-point on the popular Bathers Way coastal walk and has one of the best vantage points in Newcastle, with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastline from Port Stephens to Dudley.
Shepherds Hill Cottage forms part of the Newcastle Recreation Reserve and Shepherds Hill Defence Group Military Installations precinct listed on the NSW Heritage Register.
The Cottage, battery observation post and gun emplacement were originally designed to defend Newcastle's burgeoning coal port, later serving as a command position throughout World War II.
It is the only coastal defence site in Australia crewed simultaneously during World War II by the Royal Australian Navy, Army and Air Force.
