Palace Hotel at Warwick new future revealed as council prepares to vote
Major plans submitted to council could see a historic abandoned pub turn into a retail and residential precinct, which developers say would be ‘catalytic’ for the region’s economy.
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An abandoned icon in Warwick may be getting a new future, as developers plan a move to reinvigorate the site.
The Palace Hotel, on Palmerin St, closed in 2015 and has been dark and empty since, however, developers plan to turn the site into a retail, accommodation and entertainment hub.
Property data shows the property was last sold in 2014, for $375,000, and was listed on the market in 2019.
The hotel was built around 1912-1913, on the site of a blacksmithing business which had stood on the corner of Palmerin and Percy streets for half a century.
The building is considered heritage by the Southern Downs Regional Council as “significant for its association with the local historical theme of development of Warwick as an administrative centre”.
Documents show the ultimate plan for the site would include the revitalisation and expansion of the existing Palace Hotel – including a beer garden, the establishment of complementary short-term accommodation, separate retail tenancies, and a range of residential units.
“The revitalisation project and Palace Hotel precinct is a significant investment into the built form and heritage character of the Warwick main street and central business district,” the planning report said.
“It is envisaged that the development will be catalytic for the recreation, event hosting, hospitality and retail sectors of the regional economy.”
It is understood the development is currently in the decision stage, with council to likely vote on the future of the site at an upcoming council meeting.
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