Council meeting papers state that while the Commercial Hotel’s historic sign will be reused, it won’t feature the martini glass from the original. Photo: Darren Mah Design, Yass Valley Council.
Plans to rebuild the Commercial Hotel in Yass have been given the green light.
The public was given a look at the plans to build a $20 million hotel complex at the site of the Commercial Hotel on Comur Street in November, when they were released for feedback.
Built in the 1840s and vacant since 2005, the hotel was destroyed in a May 2023 fire.
During a recent meeting, Yass Valley Council (YVC) voted to support the proposal, despite concerns around its suitability for the area and impacts from its poker machines.
Councillor Allan McGrath welcomed progress on the site of the historic hotel.
“It’s made an eyesore on the entry to Yass for a very long time. I think the fire was something that was anticipated for a number of years … [and] it’s continued as an eyesore.”
The development application (DA) put forward plans for a three-storey building with a bar, bistro, function room and restaurant, accommodation on the upper two floors, car parking and a gaming area with room for 16 players.
The gaming area drew criticism from some councillors, who felt it wasn’t a good fit for their town.
During the meeting, councillor Fleur Flanery said that while the proposal would “enhance the derelict” site, it could be better used for housing.
She labelled the DA as a “missed opportunity for council and the people of Yass”.
“I know we’re not the owners of it, but over many meetings we’ve talked about housing … I think bringing in gaming machines – another place for people to drink, another place for people to gamble – is abhorrent.
“I really feel we have enough of that in Yass.”
Fire crews mop up after fire destroyed the remains of the Commercial Hotel in Yass in 2023. Photo: NSW Rural Fire Service Facebook.
The concerns around the gaming machines were echoed by councillor Adrian Cameron.
He said that while the proposed 16 were “not a lot”, it remained an increase in access to pokies within the region.
“I think we do have a responsibility to keep an eye on this issue of gaming. The Yass Valley Council, as a responsible authority, does have some social responsibility in regard to this sort of thing,” he said.
During the meeting, councillor Alvaro Cherry said the Commercial Hotel had long been a familiar site on Yass’ main street.
“It has been part of Yass’, I guess, DNA for quite some time,” he said of the site.
“Noting the sentiment from councillor McGrath, we believe that is something that is very welcomed, broadly, by the community.”
The DA sought variations to council’s mandated height (at 45 centimetres above the 12 metre limit) and floor space (for an additional 578.15 square metres).
A staff member said that staff recommended councillors the variations, with the former being listed as “relatively minor” and the latter as providing space for economic activity.
“[Those are] tourism and economic generating outcomes that exist on the site in additional rooms. … That’s why that variation to the floor space is considered appropriate for this specific example.”
The proposal includes 39 carparks, well short of the 101.5 recommended.
Councillor Kristin Butler said that while she was supportive of the overall project, YVC should commit to managing any issues triggered by the shortfall, “especially” around disabled parking.
“We have as a council, in the past, fallen short in our ability to forward plan … Asking the business provide 100-plus car spaces in a country main street is just not achievable.”
The meeting heard that planning policies around car parking controls could form part of a future review of YVC strategic planning documents.
Mayor Jasmin Jones said the proposal should be viewed as part of wider efforts to revitalise the town.
“What this is doing is cascading wonderful, good news of regeneration in our main street. … [This is] such an economic uptick for our community.
“As to the appropriateness of the Commercial Hotel going where the Commercial Hotel was, that building stood for 170 years.”
She acknowledged the gambling concerns, but said it wasn’t “in our wheelhouse” at YVC.
The DA was lodged by Canberra developer Andrew Turnbull and designed by Darren Mah Design Pty Ltd.
Ultimately, councillor Flanery was the only councillor to vote against the DA.
