Demolition makes way for a new era of the Commonwealth Hotel
11 August 2023
A new and expanded Commonwealth Hotel will soon begin rising from the ruins as demolition works reach completion at the historic building in Ipswich Central.
Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee Chairperson Councillor Marnie Doyle said the community can expect to see more tradespeople entering and exiting the site over the coming months as Hutchinson Builders work to complete the highly anticipated redevelopment.
“The beloved Commonwealth Hotel is set to come alive again when it reopens in Ipswich Central early next year,” Cr Doyle said.
“Council has meticulously restored the hotel in recent years to preserve its historic value.
“The extensive redevelopment will have something for everyone with indoor and outdoor dining, a feature cocktail bar, beer garden and function rooms – all while maintaining the site’s charm and identity.
“Whether you know it as the Commonwealth Hotel or Murphy’s Pub, the century-old watering hole is sure to attract new and returning patrons, connecting the old with the new in the modern Nicholas Street Precinct.
“As a revitalised historic hotel fitting of a thriving CBD, the reopened hotel will draw more people to the precinct and encourage further interest from tenants and visitors alike.”
Neighbours of the Commonwealth Hotel can expect the noisy work of demolition to now subside as tradespeople begin erecting the hotel’s extension.
“Council acquired the Commonwealth Hotel in 2014 in an out of court decision with the former owner when subsidence and significant cracking in the building’s façade had rendered the site unusable and at risk of collapse,” Cr Doyle said.
“Council has since lovingly and respectfully restored the original building to its former glory, requiring careful deconstruction of its parts to prevent further disintegration and enable their delicate restoration.
“Pieces were stored offsite in a council depot for restoration and repair, and in total, 20,000 recycled bricks and 22,000 new bricks were used in the building’s refurbishment.
“Council is committed to preserving the city’s heritage wherever possible, and now with the expansion project underway we’re bringing this Federation hotel into a new era.
“Having survived two world wars, two global pandemics, intensifying natural disasters and the bulldozing era of the 1980s, council is committed to ensuring this important landmark in Ipswich’s history is enjoyed for generations to come.
“The revitalised Commonwealth Hotel is a link between our past and our future that will help revitalise
the night-time economy in the Nicholas Street Precinct and contribute to our vibrant and liveable city.”
A fly-through video of the new Commonwealth Hotel was released in September last year ahead of the first sod being turned in November.
For more information on the Nicholas Street Precinct visit: Nicholas Street Precinct | Entertainment Precinct | Ipswich