Iconic Blacktown venue to be resurrected in new location

The Robin Hood Inn was a permanent fixture on Main St in Blacktown after being built in 1937, the perfect spot for Real Sydney residents to head for a quick beer after getting off the train at Blacktown Station. 

Just shy of 50 years later, on August 12, 1984, the venue was quickly demolished overnight, with reports indicating that not all staff had been properly informed of the decision. Though it’s regularly suggested that the demolition was conducted so quickly to avoid public backlash, Blacktown City documents show that it was actually done to avoid having to recognise the heritage of the hotel. 

After its demolition a new building was constructed and used as State Government Offices that still stand today, with the iconic Inn surviving only in the memories of locals and in the historical archives of local libraries - but that could all be about to change, with the Blacktown Advocate reporting that local developer Simon Paterson has a plan to resurrect the venue - albeit in a different location. 

Paterson has submitted plans to council in recent weeks to rebuild the forgotten venue on Flushcombe Rd, near the Westpoint Shopping Centre and not too far from the previous location. He's already received approval to start building new multi-storey residential complex on the same site.

Paterson says the resurrected venue would help address the lack of good food and beverage venues in the area and provide another social point for a population tipped to grow by tens of thousands in years to come. 

“People are screaming out for a good pub,” Mr Paterson told the Advocate.

“There’s nothing close to the Blacktown CBD that does a good food offering.

“I decided to bring the old Robin Hood back, but (also) as a good family restaurant.”

Plans for the venue show it will be able to accommodate nearly 600 patrons, and will also have a gaming room and outdoor terrace. 

Though the road ahead is still long and h, it’s great to see new developments with an eye to the past of their local community. 

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