There’s plants in pots, a big new name and a sign out the front that says ‘opening soon - hopefully’.

The Sherwood Hotel on Molesworth Street has been slowly transforming from former nightclub Tommys into a new family friendly venue - and the burning question is: when will it open?

Venue owner John Elsley said it’s been months in the making as he and his brother await the liquor licencing approval to come through.

Read more: Will new venue The Sherwood Hotel be open in time for Christmas?

“We are expecting an answer from Liquor and Gaming NSW on January 27,” John said. 

“We’ve had no valid objections to our licence so far – only one official objection from NSW Health saying there are already too many hotels in the area.

“That’s just their opinion - they are not allowed to decide whether or not we can open.

“We argued that many of the hotels in Lismore were now closed.

“So, in a fortnight, we’ll have an answer and find out if we can open or whether we will have a fight on our hands.”

John said the inside renovations to the new hotel are very close to being finished and he was looking forward to finally opening.

“We are on the final push to get all the furniture in – and we’ve already hired a couple of staff.

Read more : Food, craft beer and family friendly vibes planned for CBD venue