Demolition of Commercial Hotel Verandah

The Commercial Hotel on Comur Street, Yass, has a long and illustrious career. The first liquor license for the Commercial Hotel was granted to John Gibbins in 1850. By 1858 the license had been transferred to Thomas Coll, who, in 1886 was elected as Member for Yass Plains in 1886.

Over the years the Hotel has been witness to many sporting and political meetings as well as sales and balls. Of note was a reception to welcome the Earl of Belmore in 1871, the hosting in 1894 of Professor and Mrs David and their party of geological students from Sydney University, the presentation in 1902 to popular Yass Lieutenant Mr. M. Coen, on the event of his marriage and European honeymoon, a presentation to Mr. J. McConville, who was the Stationmaster at Yass Junction from 1906-1911, and Mr J. B. Chifley (politician) dined there on his way to Canberra in 1949.

The now contentious verandah was added to the Hotel by local builder and architect, Mr David Lawrence. The verandah was accompanied by 13 bedrooms, two bathrooms and a fire escape. The additions were completed in 1926.

However, it is well recognised that time has taken its toll on the verandah, and last week work commenced to dismantle and remove it. However, the good news is the developers will work on a new verandah that meets current safety standards at a later date.

Developers Andrew Turnbull and Anthony Barrie said it’s their top priority to retain the hotel’s heritage character.

“The verandah will be replaced and we will take every step to ensure the building’s heritage character is preserved as we prepare to reopen the hotel as a family-friendly pub,” Mr Barrie said.

“We will also retain and source older materials that will enable us to achieve this.”

All components of the verandah that are considered suitable for reuse must be retained and stored in a secure place.The order also requires the developers to repair any damage to the hotel’s façade.

Work is expected to commence on Tuesday, 29 March subject to scaffolding availability. A temporary pedestrian crossing will be installed near the Australian Hotel.

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• History