The Checkside Tavern at West Lakes has been transformed into the Mosaic Hotel in a $4 million upgrade as part of a billion-dollar WEST residential development.

Owned by the SANFL, the newly opened Mosaic Hotel is not only a much needed new local in Adelaide’s metropolitan west, but is also expected to help support football throughout South Australia.

The redevelopment began in February in response to significant demand for a more modern and multi-use venue within the West Lakes community.

Prominent South Australia architectural firm Studio Nine joined forces with renowned local commercial builder Pascale Construction to design and create the sophisticated venue.

Tony Zappia, Director of Studio Nine Architects and Project Director of the Mosaic Hotel project, says the real inspiration for the hotel began with the need to provide an outdoor area with a visual connection to the street.

“Working within the existing venue that was built as part of a football stadium meant that there were very few windows facing out to Turner Drive and the internal space was club-like, dark and uninviting to the general public,” says Tony.

“The positioning of the new alfresco space not only provides an external area that can be used 12 months of the year, but it also allowed us to change the face of the street elevation and in turn enable natural light and ventilation to penetrate deep into the building.”

The transformation into a stylish and expansive hotel encompasses other new facilities, including various bar and dining areas, a double-sided fireplace, a modernised sports bar, TAB facilities, ten large TV screens and a gaming room.

There also will be 1000sqm of office space – what was once the Magarey function room – to be leased upstairs.

“The general concept was to open up the overall floorplan, with no physical or visual separation between the bar, restaurant and alfresco areas,” Tony says.

“There is now a seamless connection throughout the venue, with zones formed through the change in floor finish, screens and glazing.”

Beautiful interior refurbishments such as spotted gum timber, velvet emerald booth seating, and terracotta lighting are employed throughout the venue.

“The colour and material palette respond to the new WEST development and surrounding suburbs, utilising three key materials – timber, stone and tiles,” Tony says.

“It’s honest and authentic and has an inviting and welcoming feel that is both comforting for the existing loyal patrons and will attract new clientele.”

Adelaide-based creative agency Frame Creative is the brains behind the branding of Mosaic, including the logos, staff uniforms and, most importantly, the name.

The former name originated from the Australian Rules checkside kick – when the ball curves away from the body – but has been replaced with Mosaic, representing the coming together of the new WEST community.

The  team at Mosaic Hotel is led by General Manager Emilee Moore, well known to the hospitality industry, most recently for her work opening Sparkke at the Whitmore.

“The former Checkside Tavern was in need of a transformation to create a new local meeting place for the adjacent vibrant and thriving WEST development,” says Emilee.

She says there are already 300 new homes surrounding Football Park and the development will become home to more than 2000 people.

“Whether it’s welcoming back some of the tavern’s long-time customers or introducing the Mosaic to people who may have never known it existed, we want the Mosaic to be a new local for the wide demographic of people living in Adelaide’s west,” Emilee says.

“Importantly, the Mosaic is welcoming to everyone.

“From the Sports Bar to the latest gaming facilities…to Sunday afternoon grazing and drinks out here on the deck, or celebration dinners with family and friends in the restaurant, it really is a place to bring many different people together.”

Mosaic Hotel is located at 37 Turner Drive in West Lakes, opposite Westfield West Lakes.

Visit www.mosaichotel.com.au for restaurant bookings.