Commercial Hotel, Albury Explained

Commercial Hotel
Coordinates:-36.0832°N 146.9223°W
Map Relief:yes
Location:430–436 Smollett Street, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
Beginning Label:Design period
Owner:Cohalan & Mitchell Roofing Pty Ltd; Lavington Plaster Linings Pty Ltd; Layisa Pty Ltd; Waterstreet Property Pty Ltd
Designation1:New South Wales State Heritage Register
Designation1 Offname:Commercial Hotel & Cottage; Waterstreet Hotel
Designation1 Type:state heritage (built)
Designation1 Date:2 April 1999
Designation1 Number:538
Designation1 Free1name:Type
Designation1 Free1value:Hotel
Designation1 Free2name:Category
Designation1 Free2value:Commercial
Designation1 Free3name:Builders

Commercial Hotel is a heritage-listed former hotel at 430–436 Smollett Street, Albury, New South Wales, Australia. It was formerly known as Waterstreet Hotel. The property is owned by Cohalan & Mitchell Roofing Pty Ltd, Lavington Plaster Linings Pty Ltd, Layisa Pty Ltd and Waterstreet Property Pty Ltd. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.[1]

History

The hotel is believed to have been constructed in, forming the oldest surviving public hotel in Albury.[1] Another source says it was built even earlier, in 1844, by James Wyse.[2]

Modifications were made to the hotel in when a two-storey front verandah was constructed with timber floors and cast iron fretwork. In an architect-designed two-storey rear accommodation wing was constructed. In the ground floor windows were replaced with P&O style fenestration and concrete awning.[1]

The hotel was owned by Mrs Waterstreet in 1914, giving its eponymous title.[3] In 1929 it was reported that the Waterhouse family leased the hotel.[4]

During 2003 and 2005 unsympathetic prior alterations to the building interiors were removed, such as suspended ceilings, exposing original ceiling heights and plaster detailing.[1]

The hotel was later sold and converted into apartments.[5]

Heritage listing

The Commercial Hotel was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.[1]

The hotel, dating from the 1850s with an 1880s verandah and 1912 architect-designed accommodation wing, is believed to be the oldest public hotel in Albury. It was described as an early commercial response to the railway and as a good example of a late colonial style country hotel.[1]

References

Attribution

Notes and References

  1. 00538. S90/03474, HC 33382, 09/01434. 28 May 2018.
  2. McGuire, Paul (1952), Inns of Australia, Melbourne, William Heinemann, p.164
  3. News: Albury. Co-operator (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1917). National Library of Australia. 23 April 1914. 7 December 2017. 2.
  4. News: Albury. The Gundagai Independent (NSW : 1928 - 1939). National Library of Australia. 4 February 1929. 7 December 2017. 1.
  5. Web site: History . Brady's Railway Hotel . 11 June 2018.