News

'Exciting' plans for Lagoon will mean temporary closure later this year

A third iconic waterfront dining venue in North Wollongong will be closed temporarily later this year as a new operator takes control at the Lagoon Restaurant

by Jeremy Lasek

Published March 05, 2026

'Exciting' plans for Lagoon will mean temporary closure later this year — Big changes at the Lagoon Restaurant will mean its doors will be closed for several months later this year. Photos: Jeremy Lasek

A third iconic waterfront dining venue in North Wollongong will be closed temporarily later this year as a new operator takes control at the Lagoon Restaurant.

Late last year, Wollongong City Council confirmed big changes ahead at the Lagoon, awarding a 10-year lease to Sydney-based The Grounds of Alexandria.

For decades, the award-winning Lagoon has enjoyed a reputation as one of Wollongong’s best dining venues.

The Harrison family, which has operated the multi-award-winning Lagoon for the past 40 years, decided not to contest the tender.

As reported in The Illawarra Flame, the owner of The Grounds, flamboyant multi-millionaire, Ramzey Choker, has quite a reputation for delivering “wow factor” in all his business ventures.

To date, he’s not revealing exactly what’s planned for the Lagoon, but Wollongong City Council has hinted that there will be big changes ahead.

“We look forward to seeing the new operator‘s exciting plans for the site brought to life for our community to enjoy later this year,” a Council spokesperson said.

Council has also confirmed the restaurant will be closed for a number of months later this year as the Lagoon Restaurant is given a significant makeover.

“The current operator will continue trading until the existing lease expires in July 2026,” Council’s spokesperson said.

“There will be a subsequent handover period, allowing the new tenant to onboard and complete works prior to opening and the start of the lease. An official opening date will be confirmed following the handover process.”

Standing room only outside Diggies and the North Beach Cafe that's closing soon.

With two other North Wollongong dining venues – Diggies and the North Beach Cafe – set to close in a fortnight for up to 12 months, it means three popular eateries will be out of action from the middle of the year.

Public submissions closed today (Thursday, 5 March) for the operator of Diggies to establish a pop-up cafe for its regulars on the lawns near Emma McKeon Promenade.

Trading will finish on Sunday, 22 March, when work is set to begin on the new sea wall.

Diggies is due to finish trading on Sunday, 22 March and remain closed for up to 12 months while major work is undertaken to extend the sea wall along North Wollongong Beach.

The Illawarra Flame has contacted The Grounds to confirm their future plans for The Lag9on.