Starting with the opening of Coles supermarket on September 16, the 3200m2 development will also include a Liquorland, a day care centre and a brand new tavern, with a further 1000m2 remaining for specialty shops.

For many locals, the hype is surrounding the building of the new hotel, with Huntlee Tavern Director Jason Gavin saying the venue will offer the community something that is needed.

"We feel that it's in high demand," Mr Gavin said.

"Huntlee town itself is somewhere where Mum's can go, have a coffee and kids can play."

The heart of the tavern will be the food, with the new restaurant being referred to by Mr Gavin as the 'backbone' of the hotel. In addition, the venue will offer a courtesy bus, public bar, kids playground, a fireplace, bottleshop, TAB, plenty of car parking, and even a cafe (open 7 days a week from 7am - 10am).

Asked if opening a new pub during a major pandemic was a risk, he happily explained how they are ahead of schedule, with the initial opening date being moved to one month earlier.

"We're hoping to be open for the Melbourne Cup, so we're pushing very hard," he added.

"The builders [Whitcon Constructions] have been fantastic. The contract date was the December 23, so we're way ahead of program."

"We will be governed by COVID at the moment so it will be 300 people capacity, which is the maximum allowed."

The construction of the shopping centre for Coles and the Huntlee Tavern has been overseen by Newcastle based project management company Catalyst Project Consulting.

Cessnock City Mayor, Councillor Bob Pynsent said the development is "exciting" as it gives potential for future growth. "To have a supermarket right there on the main access road gives the opportunity for people to shop locally rather than travel to Rutherford, Singleton or Cessnock.

"It is exciting. I know people have been calling for that, and I know Coles are excited as well."