After more than 100 years of trading, the Grand Bundaberg Hotel is undergoing a makeover and restoration to bring the historical hotel back to life.
Known locally as The Grand, the distinctive building on the corner of Targo and Bourbong Streets is set to reopen its doors early August – embracing the history of the iconic building, while encompassing a warm, welcoming and vibrant new layout.
Project manager Neal Orpin said the new refurbished internal layout would include family dining, as well as a cocktail lounge, corporate and function areas with a brand-new beer garden following the opening, creating a relaxed green oasis, perfect for weekend long lunches with family and friends.
“There has been a lot of energy put into creating a classic hotel finish,” Neal said.
“Our focus is on family friendly, it’s at the forefront of my mind, there is a combination of great spaces with different experiences on offer with no gaming.
“We will have multiple experiences within the Hotel; the area to catch up with the girls after work, an occasional dinner with friends or family, or simply a beer in the bar watching the game, there are different zones for different experiences.”
“There are areas designed for all functions from small intimate events through to larger sit down dining or cocktail style parties.”
Local trades have been kept busy working on these features in collaboration with lead builder What’s On Projects.
The Grand doors expected to open early August
The Grand will also feature an attached bottle shop for guest convenience.
Neal said the careful restorative makeover of the Grand Hotel Bundaberg was going full-steam ahead to ensure the historical hotel in the heart of Bundaberg would have patrons walking through the doors by early August.
“The Grand Hotel is an iconic building, we wanted to keep that historical connection and we have stripped back areas to the original brick that Mr McKay the lessee opening the Grand Hotel June 27th 1885 may have enjoyed showing his patrons of the day. The journey has been all about keeping that connection to the heritage,” he said.
“We have pared back the years of renovations and it’s amazing what we have uncovered. Inside the hotel was hollow and we are restoring it all now.
“We are really excited to let people know what we have been doing.”
Neal said while the restoration continues, they were now looking for both employees and local producers to supply the restaurant.
“We want local producers to reach out to us,” he said.
“It’s a fantastic project to be involved in and we are really excited.”
He said local business interested in supplying the hospitality industry or anyone looking for employment opportunities at Grand Hotel Bundaberg could send through a resume to: hotel@grandbundaberg.com.au.
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It’s rather iconic isn’t it – whilst one old building gets a new lease of life, another one burns to the ground. Exciting, and very sad. Both building dating back to circa 1880