The expansion of the Commonwealth Hotel in Ipswich’s Nicholas Street Precinct will get underway in the next month.
The historic building, which is being brought back to its former glory days, is to be extended by Hutchinson builders to include a courtyard.
Ipswich Councillor Marnie Doyle says that council has released its first fly-through video of the Commonwealth Hotel’s restoration and concept drawings (pictured above and below) ahead of its official opening to patrons in Christmas 2023.
“It has been meticulously restored by council to preserve its heritage character and the forthcoming extension of the hotel will transform the site into a state-of-the-art dining and entertainment hub,” she says.
“The Commonwealth Hotel, also known as Murphy’s Pub, was built in 1910 and extensive plans for the redevelopment include indoor and outdoor dining, a feature cocktail bar, beer garden and function rooms, while keeping its classic and authentic persona at its core.”
Councillor Doyle believes the pub will help bring back crowds to Ipswich’s CBD once renovations are completed.
“It is considered one of our anchor tenants within the Nicholas Street Precinct and the idea is it will attract locals and visitors,” she says.
“AusHotels, which runs the Orion Hotel at Springfield Central, recently signed on as operator of the iconic hotel,” Cr Doyle says.
“We have watched this grand building being brought back to life and with AusHotels coming on board, we are now assured the future of the site has been secured.”
The Division 3 Councillor says the completion of restoration works is a milestone that celebrates the Commonwealth Hotel as a notable part of the history of Ipswich and she looked forward to designs coming off the drawing board for the expansion.
Ipswich council is expected to spend around $11 million on fully restoring the pub.
Hutchinson Builders has so far repaired the buildings foundations and restored its façade with original bricks as well renovating its floorboards and beautiful stain glass windows.
The hotel was built 112 years ago by local architect Henry Wyman.
(Photo/s: Artist concept drawings of expansion and upgrade of Commonwealth Hotel. Ipswich City Council. Supplied.)
