Cross Keys Hotel | Northrop

Services
- Structural
Sectors
- Hotels and Hospitality
Tighes Hill, NSW
- Newcastle
Year 2023

Last Project
Next Project

Partnership

Northrop worked closely with CAD Building Services, the architect, and the broader consultant team to support the refurbishment of the Cross Keys Hotel. Collaboration was key, particularly during construction, where ongoing site investigations and coordination helped unlock practical structural solutions. By working side-by-side with the project team, we were able to respond quickly to site conditions and keep the project moving while respecting the building’s heritage character.

Project

The Cross Keys Hotel is a well-known heritage pub in the heart of Tighes Hill, undergoing a significant refurbishment to reopen as a contemporary hospitality venue. The project involved adaptive reuse of the existing building, including selective demolition, new structural openings, and internal reconfiguration to support updated hospitality layouts – while retaining the character and fabric that make the hotel a local landmark.

Delivery

Northrop provided structural engineering services to support the adaptive reuse of the existing heritage structure. Our team undertook detailed investigations of the original building to understand its condition and structural capacity, informing safe and efficient design solutions. Works included supporting selective demolition, introducing new structural openings, and modifying internal layouts to suit modern hospitality requirements. Throughout construction, we worked closely with the builder and architect to resolve site-specific challenges as they arose, developing practical, buildable solutions that balanced contemporary use with heritage considerations. This collaborative, hands-on approach helped maintain momentum on site while protecting the integrity of the existing structure.

Impact

The refurbishment of the Cross Keys Hotel has helped breathe new life into a much-loved local venue, supporting its continued use as a social and community hub. By carefully adapting the existing structure rather than replacing it, the project preserves the building’s heritage value while enabling a modern hospitality experience. The outcome is a revitalised pub that respects its past, supports local activity, and contributes positively to the character of Tighes Hill.