Five shops, including the construction of two new shops, feature on on the ground floor, a deck extension and proposed terrace, a new basement garden bar about 118 square metres, and the modification of upstairs accommodation were approved.

RELATED:

The hotel’s development is proposed over two stages. Stage one involves the conversion of existing floor area from the corner of Wason Street along the Princes Highway into three shops. 

A single storey extension will be constructed to the east for two new shops, refurbishment of the pub including a new deck extension, enlargement and refurbishment of the existing basement area which includes the installation of amenities and use of a bar and the conversion of existing accommodation on the first floor into five visitor rooms.

A new verandah and awning top frontage will follow in stage two.

The last beer at the Commercial Hotel was pulled on October 15, 2017. Fifteen staff, suppliers and customers were given six-days notice of the venue’s impending closure. 

A statement of heritage impact, completed by Zenith Town Planning concluded the proposed works will benefit the “community and local economy by providing additional commercial space in an attractive historic setting”.

“Restoration of an historic building will cause flow-on effects to the town centre and is likely to stimulate refurbishment of other private heritage-listed properties in Milton.”

New owner Todd Salter has been approached for comment.