The city’s latest motel is under construction at the northern end of the existing club and according to general manager Jeff Wheeler is expected to be completed by the end of the calendar year.

“There have been a few delays with the weather but we are confident of opening for business in January,” Mr Wheeler said.

Major internal renovations in the existing structure are also well advanced as part of the overall development and these are expected to be completed by September.

With direct access to the new motel it also includes a function room with a large stage to cater for musical productions.

It will be the first time the club has had such a facility since the former auditorium was destroyed in a disastrous late night fire back in 1999.

“We are installing state of the art equipment to cater for conventions, seminars and corporate training functions as well,” Mr Wheeler said.

“Country residents travel to the coast for seminars and conferences and we’d hope to attract functions to Lithgow for a new experience.

“With the motel and the club facilities it would be a one shop stop and make planning easy for organisers.”

That stage of the project is expected to be completed by September.

There will be a new restaurant on the north eastern side of the complex.

The once popular O’Grady’s bar and restaurant has completely gone and is currently very much a work site.

Mr Wheeler said the club was pleased the contractors, Rotric Constructions, had honoured a commitment to employ as many locals as possible on the project.