The heritage verandah of the Commercial Hotel in Yass will need to be removed due to safety concerns. Photo: Supplied.
The Commercial Hotel has a storied history in Yass which spans more than 170 years. However, it has been left to go derelict since its last beers were poured in 2005, and now new owner Andrew Turnbull will be required to remove the venue’s iconic front verandah.
Yass Valley Council has announced it will be forcing the new owners of the Commercial Hotel to remove the iconic front verandah, suggesting it has become a safety hazard for the general public.
Council issued a development control order for the removal of the verandah after developers Mr Turnbull and Anthony Barrie requested it so they can begin work on a new verandah that meets current safety standards.
However, the developers emphasise that they remain committed to preserving 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,” said Mr Barrie.
“We will also retain and source older materials that will enable us to achieve this.”
As part of the development control order, the verandah will need to be removed by 28 February, 2022, and the building’s owners will be responsible for repairing any other damage to the hotel’s facade.
The footpath below the verandah will also require fencing while works are being completed.
Yass Valley Council has assured the community that the developer has been made aware that all components of the verandah that are considered suitable for reuse must be retained and stored in a secure place.
“We know this building holds an important place in the town’s history and we look forward to assisting the developer with its plans to reopen the hotel,” said Yass Valley Council general manager Chris Berry.
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