Demolition experts at new People First Bank in Toowoomba CBD uncover old pub’s stone cellar
Reminders of Toowoomba’s past glories have been uncovered at a major CBD worksite, with workers uncovering remnants of a 19th century building.
Development
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Workers have made an unusual discovery on the site of where People First Bank’s new headquarters will be built in the Toowoomba CBD, uncovering the remnants of an old pub.
Employees at Burke Demolitions, which has been charged with knocking down the old Shrine
Catholic Church on Ruthven Street to make way for a seven-storey commercial precinct, discovered what appears to be an old stone cellar.
Historical experts believe it to have belonged to the old Imperial Hotel, which stood on the site from the late 19th century up until 1959.
People First chief financial officer Vince Pace, who is overseeing the construction of the new headquarters, said the bank had contacted Toowoomba Regional Council and hoped to incorporate stones from the cellar into the design in some way.
“During demolition works, contractors uncovered what appears to be a stone cellar – likely from the former Imperial Hotel which stood on the site before the Shrine was constructed in 1959,” he said.
“We have advised Stephanie Keays at Toowoomba Regional Council that we are happy to provide access to view the structure and record the details and location of the cellar through photos, video and measurements.
“Subject to discussions with our development partner, we also plan to recover some of the stonework for potential reuse in the new building so this element of the site’s previous uses can be acknowledged.”
According to historical records, the Imperial Hotel was designed by legendary Toowoomba architect James Marks in 1885 for John Long, a well-known hotelier, magistrate and local councillor.
Advertisements from the early 20th century highlighted the venue’s proximity to City Hall and accommodation facilities.
One clipping of a promo for the Imperial Hotel appears to quote eccentric English racehorse breeder and church-builder Sir Tatton Sykes, 5th Baronet of Sledmere, from March 1908: “the best table I have found in Australia”.
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