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Plans revealed for Carrollee Hotel renovation

The historic Carrollee Hotel in Kingaroy will undergo a major transformation, with ambitious upgrade plans approved by the South Burnett Regional Council. SEE THE PLANS.

The historic Carrollee Hotel in Kingaroy will undergo a major transformation, with ambitious upgrade plans approved by the South Burnett Regional Council.
The historic Carrollee Hotel in Kingaroy will undergo a major transformation, with ambitious upgrade plans approved by the South Burnett Regional Council.

The historic Carrollee Hotel in Kingaroy will undergo a major transformation, with ambitious upgrade plans approved by the South Burnett Regional Council.

The application for a material change of use, submitted by South Burnett Hotels Pty Ltd, was approved on September 4, 2024, and covers properties located at 2, 4, and 6-12 King St, as well as 2 Mary St in Kingaroy.

Extensive renovations will be carried out on the hotel and its drive-through bottle shop, revitalising one of the region’s most iconic heritage buildings.

The approved development application outlines plans to extend the hotel and shop, along with preliminary approval for building works to modernise the heritage-listed site.

The historic Carrollee Hotel in Kingaroy will undergo a major transformation, with ambitious upgrade plans approved by the South Burnett Regional Council.
The historic Carrollee Hotel in Kingaroy will undergo a major transformation, with ambitious upgrade plans approved by the South Burnett Regional Council.
Carrollee Hotel upgrade plans. Image: SBRC.
Carrollee Hotel upgrade plans. Image: SBRC.

The upgrades will include a new kitchen, and bistro extension, along with backyard terrace decking and new toilet amenities.

The drive-thru bottle shop will also be upgraded and a new bulk store added.

The renovation follows another revamp completed in 2019, bringing the historic pub and restaurant into the 21st century.

The previous renovation included new flooring, paint job and a complete upgrade of the building’s interior, from the bistro and drinking areas to the gaming room.

The gaming room received new wallpaper with a semi-floral grey pattern, updated carpet, and new chairs for a more comfortable gaming experience.

Carrollee Hotel upgrade plans. Image: SBRC.
Carrollee Hotel upgrade plans. Image: SBRC.

The drinking area and bistro received new flooring and an updated counter, while new chairs and tables ensured a consistent and stylish look throughout.

The old booths were replaced with a cushioned seat stretching across the side wall, enhancing the room’s openness and allowing natural light to filter through large windows.

The Carrollee Hotel, first built in 1904 by Dan Carroll, is an iconic piece of Kingaroy history.

Although the original structure was destroyed by fire, it was rebuilt in 1913, retaining much of the federation-style architecture that is typical of regional hotels of the era.

PIONEERS: The Carrollee Hotel and adjacent shops in Kingaroy in 1915.
PIONEERS: The Carrollee Hotel and adjacent shops in Kingaroy in 1915.

Dan Carroll, an early settler and businessman, played a pivotal role in Kingaroy’s growth.

In a 1935 feature for The Kingaroy Guardian and Taabinga Times, Mr Carroll expressed his unwavering belief in the town’s potential, even predicting its growth over neighbouring townships like Nanango and Taabinga Village.

Despite scepticism and ridicule from others, his faith in Kingaroy never faltered.

Throughout his life, Mr Carroll invested all his earnings back into the local community, focusing on building projects to improve the town’s appearance and future.

He famously trusted only Kingaroy tradesmen to carry out his work and believed that perseverance and hard work would ensure the town’s success.

An official start date for the new renovations has not yet been revealed.

Originally published as Plans revealed for Carrollee Hotel renovation

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Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/queensland/south-burnett/business/plans-revealed-for-carrollee-hotel-renovation/news-story/38c9e2fd960cc16d1ade6311a281b9a8