General News
10 September, 2026
Plans reveal pub’s new site
PLANS have been revealed for a new Cock and Bull Tavern just a few blocks from its current site near Cairns Hospital.
JAPT Pty Ltd which owns the pub in Grove St, has lodged a development application with Cairns Regional Council for the relocation to the former Reject Shop on the property known as the Civic Centre in Florence St.
Queensland Health are planning to acquire the Grove St property as part of the $1 billion expansion of Cairns Hospital.
UrbanSync town planning documents say “the proposed development will involve the redevelopment of one of the existing buildings on the site, requiring an internal refit and some minor external modifications (primarily to the façade)”.
“In particular, the site of the existing Cock and Bull tavern is in the process of being compulsorily acquired for the Cairns Hospital redevelopment and the business has been forced to consider relocation to ensure that it can continue to trade,” the documents said.
“While the proposed relocation will result in minimal changes to the operation of the existing tavern, the Cock and Bull does seek to use this move as a chance to refocus the operations of the business to that which offers a family-friendly dining environment, as well as inviting sports bar and gaming style activities for a range of patrons.”
The application includes a sports bar, two DOSA (designated outdoor smoking areas), three dining spaces, a gaming room, an outdoor bistro, amenity areas and ‘back of house’ areas, including a kitchen, staff amenity and storage rooms.
“The proposed development will effectively improve the site through activation of the Florence and McLeod street frontages with openings to the outdoor bistro and beer garden areas, windows fronting Florence Street and articulation of the façade through features, such as a new statement entry, including vertical timber-look cladding and a gabled roof, variation in textures and materials, including feature tiles, timber-look cladding, smooth rendered walls and feature garden beds lining the outdoor bistro area,” the report said.
It will have a maximum capacity of up to 400 people, a gaming room operating from 10am-4am, sports bar, dining and an outside bistro from 11.30am-10pm.
It will provide about 103 parking spaces on the site which is accessed from Sheridan St and McLeod St.
The report said this was a shortfall of 74 parking spaces, however, “the proposed development will require less carparks than the current use, which, theoretically, demonstrates that the existing parking will be able to sufficiently accommodate the demand generated by the proposed development”.
“A considerable proportion of visiting patrons to the proposed development will be consuming alcohol and therefore attendance to the site via private vehicles is expected to be reduced,” the report said.
“Trade of the Cock and Bull is heavily dominated by tourists, with a substantial proportion of these visitors staying within the Cairns city area.
“These patrons are more likely to walk, utilise rideshare services (i.e. Uber or taxis), or public transport to travel to site, rather than having personal hire vehicles.”
It is understood JAPT Ltd, whose directors are Graham, Stephanie and Alexander Johnston, bought the 7128sqm property for $12 million in March this year.
The application will be considered by council planning officers in coming months before a recommendation is put before council.
Graham Johnston was contacted for comment.
