Toowoomba’s Irish Club Hotel to undergo $100k facelift with new colours after $10k grant from council

A 150-year-old pub in the Toowoomba CBD will enjoy a $100,000 facelift — including new colours — partially funded by ratepayers. Here’s a sneak peek.

One of Toowoomba’s most iconic pubs will be getting a significant makeover, thanks in part to a grant by the council.

The Irish Club Hotel on Russell St will undergo a $100,000 renovation and paint job to alter its exterior colour scheme.

This is being partially covered by the Toowoomba Regional Council, which on Tuesday approved the venue’s application to the CBD Heritage Incentives Policy.

According to the council report by architect principal Stephanie Keays, the Irish Club’s plans include changing the colour from mustard yellow to traditional Irish tones.

The new colour scheme planned for Toowoomba's Irish Club Hotel.

“The building is significant for its history, socially and as an example of public house building typology and for its contribution to the streetscape in Russell and Station streets,” her report said.

“This extent of work includes: the front facade walls and windows facing Russell Street to the north and Station Street to the east, the southern end wall of the building, the footpath awnings and soffits.

“The colour scheme uses a combination of green and white to link to the Irish heritage of the hotel owners.”

Irish Club Hotel Toowoomba.

Ms Keays said a mural of celebrated Irish author James Joyce on the side of the building would be retained.

Councillors endorsed the application unanimously, with many arguing the maximum allowable amount should be increased in line with increased building costs.

Acting planning and development general manager Kari Musgrove said the department was currently reviewing most of its incentives policies, with recommendations to be returned to council later in the year.

The Irish Club Hotel was established as the Governor Blackall Hotel in 1872 by licensee James Woods.