Consortium’s plan to restore Crows Nest building Nolan’s Block as modern-day emporium in regional tourism push

A micro-region north of Toowoomba could soon see a major boost in tourism dollars, after three couples unveiled plans to restore and reopen a historic Crows Nest building.

(From left) Amanda Hinds, Sandra Jenner and Sally Boardman have a plan to turn the historic Nolan’s Block building in Crows Nest into a modern day emporium. Picture: Nev Madsen.

One of the Toowoomba region’s most recognisable buildings will be restored to its former glory as a multi-tenancy emporium, in a move that could deliver millions in tourism dollars to a small town.

The 105-year-old Nolan’s Block in Crows Nest, which was the home of popular store Salt Antiques until last year, has been bought by three local couples.

The consortium includes award-winning restaurateurs Amanda and Larry Hinds, best known for boutique foodie haven Emeraude.

The pair joined forces with avocado growers Sally and Daryl Boardman as well as Anduramda Homestead owners Sandra and Andrew Jenner to invest more than $300,000 into its restoration and revitalisation.

Andrew and Sandra Jenner, Daryl and Sally Boardman and Amanda and Larry Hinds. The historic Salt's Antiques building in Crows Nest to be converted into a modern day emporium. Saturday, July 3, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The eight tenancies will include a bistro and patisserie owned by the Hinds, a potager (kitchen garden) run by Mrs Boardman and business partner Jodie Ryan, along with a homewares store owned by Mrs Jenner called High Country Collective.

There are also plans for a speak-easy at the rear along with other specialty shops.

Mrs Hinds, who is also the president of micro-region tourism group High Country Hamlets, said the project was expected to draw southeast Queensland tourists to the region to sample local produce and enjoy the country lifestyle.

“Our clientele is a separate group of people we’ve already established over the past four years,” she said.

“That clientele will come and they will stay and spend money in the town.

“It’s all about connecting it together and keeping those people here in our region.”

Mrs Boardman said the development would improve upon the good work already being done to attract tourists to the High Country region north of Highfields.

“We believe that it will be an opportunity to bring a lot more people to Crows Nest,” she said.

“The amount that High Country Hamlets has done so far is great, so this will only enhance it.”

Mrs Jenner said she was excited to see how the building would be restored.

“When we first looked at the building last year we knew it just needed something,” she said.

“It was looking a bit sad but you could see what it could be.”

The Nolan’s Block is expected to be ready by either October or November, weather permitting.

The historic Salt's Antiques building in Crows Nest is to be converted into a modern day emporium. Picture: Nev Madsen.