What is happening with the restoration of the hotel?
A suite of conservation works are proposed to the Hotel, which will be undertaken in a staged process. The first stage, which commenced on Wednesday 26
th November 2014, primarily includes:
- Removal of debris;,
- Site Clean;
- Temporary propping/supports; and,
- Temporary Stabilisation.
The main base build works, including the installation of a permanent roof will commence in the new year following the completion of the initial pre-enabling works.
The next stage of works, which are currently subject to a Development Application with the City will include:
- Reconstruction of the belvedere to match the original as closely as possible
- Selected removal of paintwork to reveal original brickwork to north-east corner element of the facade and side elevations
- Investigations will be undertaken into the removal of steel supports to front façade, which have been in place since the 1990s. These will be removed so long as the structural stability of the façade can be ensured by other less visually intrusive measures;
- Retention and conservation, where possible of timber elements (timber windows, timber eave brackets etc). Where rotten, missing or damaged beyond repair these elements will be replaced in a like for like manner.
- Internally remnants of existing features (i.e. fireplaces) will be retained to complement the new fitout.
What did the recent structural report say about the hotel?
In brief summary, the external walls to the surviving building are assessed as being in salvageable condition, with one area requiring some reconstruction (south wall). The external walls are presently, at least as stable as, would be a two-storey building under construction. We are proposing to retain and conserve these external walls so that the form of the Hotel remains as a prominent element in the streetscape.
The walls below the ground level are all in salvageable condition, with repair work required in some areas. Internally we are seeking to make minimal changes to the ground floor plan of the building. However, some changes are necessary to address the tenant’s needs and to improve the efficiency of the space. These changes are currently the subject of a Development Application, which has been referred to the State Heritage Office.
Internal detail has been damaged to varying degrees. The plaster work of the interior of the building has been severely damaged. The timber flooring of the ground floor is comprehensively damaged due to prolonged exposure to rain and weather. The treatment of the internal spaces has yet to be fully resolved and this aspect is subject to continuing discussions with the State Heritage Office.
When will this be open to the public?
The vision of the owner is to work as hard as possible to have the Hotel open for trade by the end of 2015. Of course like any development project, unforseen circumstances and regulatory processes can result in delays. Notwithstanding this, we will continue to work toward this goal.
What is proposed for the rear of the site?
Early concepts include ground floor retail around a new laneway style public space, with a pedestrian connection to James Street, via a re-instated beer garden
.
Access would be via two key points on the site with a two way in and out along the southern boundary and an in-only on the south side of the hotel.
At grade public parking for the retail and hotel has been proposed to sleave its way around the new development thereby also reducing the building bulk and over-shadowing to the south and west. Existing mature trees would be retained along its southern boundary to maintain as much as possible the amenity for adjacent residents. Two levels of resident parking are included in the development along with a number of apartments, with some apartments sleeving the deck parking fronting Johnson Street.
We understand that car parking and congestion is a real concern of the community and we will be investigating ways to ensure our development does not compound these issues.
How will this development contribute to Guildford into the future?
The restoration and re-use of a heritage building will contribute greatly to the sense of history and community in Guildford. A new development designed to complement the heritage building that would include apartment style housing, retail and new laneway style public places will contribute to the vibrancy in Guildford. Further, it has the potential to provide a choice in housing that does not currently exist in Guildford. Its location close to a train station will encourage better use of public transport.
New development in Guildford should respect the heritage, how is this development doing that?
We understand that new development affecting an established and valued place such as a Guildford should seek to understand and respond to that place in a positive way that is of its own time. We are seeking to respond to the fine grain detail and rhythm of the Hotel and will be exploring locally used materials, textures and colours to ensure our building contributes to this evolving heritage area.
At what stage is the proposed development to the rear at, and what are the next steps?
Early concepts have been developed as a means to define what could be developed. These include apartments, retail and commercial activities. Included in the concepts are pedestrian spaces that will be activated by both the new development and the hotel. However, under the City of Swan Town Planning Scheme No. 17 (Scheme) ‘Multiple Dwelling’ (i.e. residential) is a use that is not permitted within the current ‘General Commercial’ zone.
On this basis the team has sought a scheme amendment to allow multiple dwellings on the site. At the same time, work is on-going with testing the concepts, seeking feedback from community.
How is the owner consulting and communicating with community about the Guildford Hotel project?
Three community group meetings have been held so far to provide information on the restoration works as well as discuss the early concepts for the rear of the site. We have developed a web page to provide project and progress information to anyone interested in the project. Consultation with members of the business community has also been undertaken, as well as circulating a project information bulletin to each residential and business property in the area. Of course we now have a Facebook page where we will encourage people to have their say, particularly once they have checked out our web page.
