The Shellharbour Workers’ Club, which bought the property from WIN Corporation in March last year for $2.2 million, plans to put up security fences and undertake some minor demolition works and repairs to make the premises safe ahead of a larger refurbishment.

A spokeswoman for the club said the repair works were being done under a current development application, approved when WIN owned the pub.

WIN proposed a $1.6 million makeover in 2010, asking the council to approve new internal fittings and two new outdoor decks. Under these plans, the hotel's facade, public bar and an original timber staircase were to be preserved and restored, and accommodation on the first floor was to be converted to office space. 

However, Clifton residents said the noise from the pub would be unbearable and visitors would cause traffic and parking havoc in their tiny suburb. 

Wollongong City Council suggested the refurbished hotel operate at reduced trading hours and install barriers to protect neighbours' privacy, and in 2011, it was recommended the refurbishment be approved with strict operating conditions.

Shellharbour Workers’ Club is currently working with Sydney-based architects Welsh and Major to design new or modified plans for the hotel, which are “well underway” the club said, however there is no timeframe on when these will be lodged. The hotel last served drinks in 2003.