The design for the proposed new $20 million Commercial Hotel in Yass which is now open for public comment. If approved, work will start next year. Photo: Darren Mah Design, Yass Valley Council.
Plans have gone on public exhibition for a $20 million hotel complex on the site of the former Commercial Hotel in the main street of Yass which was destroyed by fire in 2023.
The development application features a three-storey building with a bar, bistro, function room and restaurant, accommodation on the upper two floors, car parking and a gaming area. The application was lodged by Canberra developer Andrew Turnbull and designed by Darren Mah Design Pty Ltd.
The site, at 170-186 Comur Street, has had a controversial past. Built in the 1840s, the hotel in the main street was a popular watering hole for travellers when the highway ran through the centre of town. But after it closed in 2005, it became derelict, an eyesore for locals and visitors as they headed into the historic Southern Tablelands town.
In the early hours of 22 May 2023, a fire destroyed what remained of the hotel, taking 10 units and 30 firefighters from the NSW Rural Fire Service, ACT and NSW brigades more than three hours to extinguish it. A man was later charged with arson.
Mayor of the Yass Valley Jasmin Jones said the Commercial Hotel redevelopment represented an exciting opportunity to strengthen Yass’s hospitality and tourism offerings while supporting local employment, estimating that the project could cost in excess of $20 million and create about 45 jobs.
“It will further revitalise our town centre while maintaining the heritage character that makes Yass such a distinctive and welcoming place,” councillor Jones said.
Fire crews mop up after fire destroyed the remains of the Commercial Hotel in Yass in 2023. Photo: NSW Rural Fire Service.
“The proposal will be reviewed by council’s heritage advisor to ensure the design is sympathetic to the surrounding character and heritage of the Yass town centre.”
She said it was anticipated that, subject to assessment timeframes, approval could be issued in early to mid-2026.
“I’m sure the Yass Valley community is looking forward to seeing construction commence as soon as possible after approval,” she said.
President of the Yass Valley Business Chamber, Jack Walker, said the chamber welcomed such investment in the main street of Yass.
The Commercial Hotel, Yass, in its heyday – a popular drinking hole for visitors and locals. Photo: Facebook.
“It shows that Yass is a successful community that people want to invest in,” he said. “It is reinforcement of the revitalisation of the Yass Valley where people are now looking here as a viable location for business.”
He said the chamber supported the project as long as it was sympathetic to its surroundings in the heritage precinct of the main street.
“It is an exciting time for Yass because like attracts like and we need more beds to service growing tourism in the region. It’s also exciting because it comes at the same time as the Liberty Theatre opening up which shows us moving forward.
“We have an exciting future ahead of us.”
Plans for the Commercial Hotel development will be on public exhibition until 12 November on the NSW Planning Portal.
