Cedar Mill Group acquires Hunter Valley site, details plans for 22,000-person outdoor concert venue

Winarch Captial’s Cedar Mill Group has announced the acquisition of a 105-acre development site in the Hunter Valley, detailing plans for a large-scale outdoor venue as part of the development.

The proposed amphitheatre-style venue will be able to sit up to 22,000 attendees, and will be professionally fitted out with the aim to host events from both major Australian and international acts.

In addition to the venue, the proposed Cedar Mill Hunter Valley development project will also consist of a 100-bed hotel, wine museum and specialist food and beverages with multiple cellar doors.

Located near the Roche Estate and Hope Estate precincts in Pokolbin, the development is expected to open in 2023 at a cost of $107 million.

Cedar Mill Group’s Hunter Valley development follows on from its previously announced $235 redevelopment of Newcastle’s Morisset Golf Course, consisting of a 30,000-person concert venue, accommodation, hospitality precinct and Australia’s largest water play park.

The group’s general manager Kyle McKendry described the Hunter Valley site acquisition as “an amazing opportunity”, hinting at what to expect from the development of both outdoor venues.

“Without doubt, this is a very significant acquisition for the Cedar Mill Group and an exciting step towards our plans to have outdoor venues coupled with exciting tourism concepts in the best locations in Australia and New Zealand,” McKendry remarked.

“Cedar Mill Hunter Valley and Cedar Mill Lake Macquarie are purpose-built, the first in Australia on this scale. Our aim is to provide an unparalleled visitor experience in the heart of the region, offering a gateway for tourists to connect with everything that makes the Hunter Valley a world-class visitor destination and event hub.”

The Cedar Mill Hunter Valley development project is expected to create more than 500 new jobs and generate over $200 million for the region through construction costs, job creation, consumption and supply chain.

Last month, Cedar Mill Group announced the acquisition of touring logistics company Humm, with the leisure and tourism business revealing its plans to play a major role in the recovery of Australia’s live entertainment sector.