Development proposal for the Federal Hotel, ‘the Fed’, on Main St at Alstonville
An iconic northern NSW pub could soon see a major revamp, with a $5.3 million development application seeking to alter the historic building. Take a look at the plans.
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The iconic Federal Hotel, first established in 1901, has seen many changes over the years.
Now, it could be set to turn a new page after a $5.3 million development application was lodged with Ballina Shire Council to revamp the pub located at 77 Main St, Alstonville.
The hotel was originally at the junction of Ballina Rd and Wardell Rd, according to the Alstonville Plateau Historical Society.
It was built by Mr John Daley in 1901 and is said to have 34 rooms.
“Sadly, Mr Daley had to sell the hotel in early 1902 because of ill health and he died in March 1906,” the society states on its website.
“In recent years the building and grounds have undergone many changes including the building of a retaining wall adjacent to the footpath.
“The building, the only two storey timber hotel in Ballina Shire, has been heritage listed on National Trust Register, the Register of the National Estate and the Ballina Local Environmental Plan.”
The 122-year-old hotel could have major alterations undertaken once more.
The plan proposes demolishing the current gaming rooms, TAB area, keg room, storage rooms, kitchen and bottle shop.
If approved, these demolitions would pave the way for a whole new feel to the hotel.
It would feature a new outdoor dining area, kid’s play area and parents’ cabana. There would also be a beer garden, stage, smoking area and food van.
The hotel would also include a new bottle shop, liquor store and charcuterie, upgraded kitchen and large gaming room.
“The existing hotel’s presence on the streetscape will be maintained. In addition to the existing hotel, the new bottle shop and outdoor dining pavilion will be added to the streetscape,” planning documents state.
“Both the new bottle shop and outdoor dining pavilion will be one-storey additions on either side of the hotel.
“The style of the bottle shop is loosely English colonial style, which resembles that of the other buildings along the street.”
The council will determine in the coming months whether the revamp can proceed.
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