Major redevelopments approved for Ashfield Hotel and Hurstville Ritz Hotel

Sonnel Hospitality has secured Development Application (DA) approvals for the redevelopment of Ashfield Hotel and Hurstville Ritz Hotel, marking another significant milestone in the group's strategy to elevate established community destinations into modern hospitality venues.

The approved $11 million redevelopment of Ashfield Hotel will see the venue reimagined with a new sports bar, beer garden, bistro, upper-level function spaces and outdoor terrace, while restoring the building's heritage façade and introducing footpath dining to create a stronger connection with the surrounding streetscape.

Meanwhile, the $4 million redevelopment of Hurstville Ritz Hotel will deliver a refreshed hospitality experience, including a new central bar, enhanced sports offering and an expanded semi-enclosed beer garden fronting Forest Road. The venue's recently upgraded accommodation offering will continue to complement the broader investment.

Both projects have been designed to reflect the character and needs of their local communities while ensuring the venues remain relevant for decades to come.

The approvals represent the next phase in Sonnel's growing redevelopment pipeline, following the recent acquisitions of Firehouse Hotel and Peakhurst Hotel and earlier redevelopment approvals for Crossroads Hotel and Ermington Hotel. Together, they reinforce the group's long-term commitment to investing in hospitality assets that strengthen local communities while delivering contemporary venues built for the way Australians gather today.

Tim Fitzgerald, Chief Operating Officer of Sonnel Hospitality, said the approvals are another example of the group's disciplined approach to creating long-term value through strategic investment and thoughtful redevelopment.

Every community pub has its own story and personality. With Ashfield Hotel, we're bringing new life to a much-loved corner classic, while at Hurstville Ritz Hotel we're creating a vibrant new hospitality offering that reflects the energy and diversity of one of Sydney's busiest local centres. In both cases, our goal is the same, to preserve what people love about these venues while investing in experiences that will keep them at the heart of their communities for decades to come.

Construction timeframes for both projects will be confirmed as Sonnel progresses its broader development pipeline, with works anticipated to commence from 2027.

Sonnel has an expanding portfolio, positioning the group as one of Sydney's most active hospitality investors, with a growing pipeline of acquisitions, redevelopments and community-focused venues across New South Wales.