We are delighted to announce the commencement of demolition work at the iconic Royal Hotel. This heritage-listed building, constructed in 1860 and situated at the corner of Ferguson Street and Grey Street in Glen Innes, has long been a symbol of the town’s rich history.
Pathfinders acquired the Royal Hotel in 2016, with the aim of revitalising it to better serve the community’s needs. The restoration project has been a long process, with a strong commitment to preserving the building’s historic charm while ensuring compliance with heritage listing requirements.
The journey towards restoration began in 2018 when Pathfinders initiated restoration works. While significant progress was made, unfortunately, the verandah was damaged in 2020 due to a vehicle accident, requiring the verandah to be demolished.
Navigating through the complexities of insurance claims and council approvals, Pathfinders encountered challenges, including the unforeseen disruptions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Shortages of building supplies and available tradesmen posed additional hurdles.
In early 2023, the project faced yet another setback when the roof of the newly renovated offices collapsed. This structural setback required a new plan and a development application (DA) submission to the Glen Innes Severn Council to demolish both the damaged verandah and the offices.
Pathfinders is pleased to announce that the revised DA has now received council approval, marking a significant milestone in the Royal Hotel’s restoration journey. Work officially commenced on 18 September 2023 on the demolition of both the verandah and the offices.
Once demolition is complete, plans for the replacement of the offices and verandah with suitable alternatives will be developed and submitted to the Council for approval.
The Royal Hotel holds a special place in Glen Innes’ history, and the community eagerly anticipates its full restoration. Once completed, this iconic building will once again serve as a valuable asset to the town and its residents.
