The project had been scheduled for completion this month, but delays in meeting Lake Macquarie City Council development requirements mean the renovations will not be finished until about September.

Security fencing was last week erected around the club house's top level, which will be the focus of the first stage of work.

"It's all to do with the planning process," Mark Singleton, the CEO of Toronto Workers Club, which absorbed the country club in 2008, said of the delay.

"It's a 26-week program [of building]. We're looking towards early to mid-September."

An 80-seat restaurant, bar and lounge with a fireplace centrepiece, will be the highlight of the reborn club.

"We're very much focused on the production of quality, portable food because there's such a generation of southbound traffic [along Wangi Road] that we believe there's a great opportunity to tap into that market," Mr Singleton said.

Despite the planning delay, members and staff are generally also enthusiastic about the works.

"I've had calls already. One lady wanted to make a booking for a wedding in November," bar supervisor Gordon Smith said.

Dennis Field, a member for 32 years, said: "It'll be good for the club, and we don't mind the delay."

Pat O'Connor, a 31-year member, joked: "So long as the beer is cold."

The only complaint was the disruptions to club entryways due to the work.

"It's a bloody nuisance getting into the club," said Ken Fatches, another long-time member.