The back bar at the Burwood Inn before it was destroyed by fire. Emergency services at the scene (top right) and flames inside the building (bottom right). File pictures
The owner of the Burwood Inn has lodged plans to rebuild the Merewether pub after fire ravaged the venue last year.
High-profile Newcastle hotelier Rolly De With will take over from Tony and Sandy Dart as publican at the Berner Street hotel when it reopens in several months.
Mr De With also runs The Junction Tavern and is Hunter president of the Australian Hotels Association.
Fire destroys part of The Burwood Inn at Merewether
Building owner John Palmieri has lodged a development application to rebuild parts of the hotel destroyed or damaged in the June fire.
The application shows Mr Palmieri has made good on his promise to leave the Burwood "as it was" before a fire broke out in the kitchen and ripped through the rear dining area.
"The proposal involves undertaking rebuilding and alteration works with the overall objective of restoring the heritage-listed building to generally the same condition and layout as it was before the fire event," the application says.
Licensee Tony Dart watches crews attempt to save The Burwood Inn.Fire crews remain on scene. Picture by Karen MartineEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Picture by Simone De PeakEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Picture by Simone De PeakEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Picture by Simone De PeakEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Picture by Simone De PeakEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Picture by Simone De PeakEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Picture by Simone De PeakEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Pictured is licensee Tony Dart. Picture by Simone De PeakEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether.Picture by Simone De PeakEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Picture by Simone De PeakEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Pictured is licensee Tony Dart. Picture by Simone De PeakOnlookers at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Picture by Simone De PeakEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Pictured is licensee Tony Dart. Picture by Simone De PeakEmergency crews at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Pictured is licensee Tony Dart. Picture by Simone De PeakDamage at the scene of a fire at The Burwood Inn, Merewether. Picture by Simone De PeakLicensee Tony Dart said he was devastated by the fire. Picture by Fire and Rescue NSWLicensee Tony Dart said he was devastated by the fire. Picture by Fire and Rescue NSWLicensee Tony Dart said he was devastated by the fire. Picture by Fire and Rescue NSWLicensee Tony Dart said he was devastated by the fire. Picture by Fire and Rescue NSW
The plans include replacing the dining area with a new structure of "near-identical size".
Parts of the reconstruction job which did not need development approval have been completed.
"The pub has always been a big part of the Merewether community," Mr Palmieri said last year.
"It was built in 1875. It's got 150 years coming up. We want to protect the legacy. I take that responsibility very seriously."
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