Beloved Stockton cafe, Lexie's on the Beach will remain closed following advice from coastal engineers.
Newcastle Council extended the closure, as they were advised the erosion impact on the building had created an "imminent risk to public safety" and as a result, the building cannot be occupied.
25 staff members of the cafe will now be left without a job, with owners hoping the closure would be a temporary measure.
City of Newcastle Infrastructure and Property Director, Ken Liddell, said the decision was made because of the unacceptable risk.
“We understand the direct impact this will have for the operators of the Café, staff and its patrons as Lexie’s is a much-loved and valuable part of the community," he said.
"We will be working closely with the business owner to transition out of the premises to make this difficult process as smooth as possible."
The independent report following further severe erosion in recent weeks stated the building is within a hazardous zone of wave impact and is at immediate risk of significant damage or failure in a one-in-two-year storm event.
“The erosion of Stockton
Beach has been recognized as a natural disaster and the City must keep public
safety a priority as the ongoing issues are managed and we work with the NSW
Government on sustainable long-term solutions," Mr Liddell said.
