Upgrades for historic hotel and town

An historic hotel will close its doors on Sunday for repairs and rejuvenation as part of the Old Petrie Town upgrades.

Moreton Bay City Council will give the popular Heritage Hotel facilities a makeover before looking for a new lessee.

It follows a decision by long-time licence holder Peter Hempsall to retire and while Council is doing $2.5 million of upgrades at the historical village.

Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway said Council has been working towards a “renewed visitor experience” since taking over the 48-hectare site a year ago.

“We’ve had tens of thousands of people through the site since we took over,” Acting Mayor Shipway said.

“This financial year we have invested $2.5 million on upgrades, restoration works and maintenance of buildings, assets and infrastructure to ensure the safety.

“Work on three vacant buildings at the site is due to be completed in the next three months, while Council has earmarked an additional building for restoration in the very near future.

“We have been looking at where further improvements can be made and the Hotel Heritage Hotel lessee retiring means we can start a major renovation of the hotel facilities.

The Heritage Hotel and Function Centre has been a popular wedding, function and conference venue with a restaurant, licensed bar and multiple function spaces.

“I have so many fond memories of the hotel and our time at the village, but it is time for me to call it a day,” lessee Peter Hempsall said.

“It has been wonderful to see the work Council has put into the site this past year and I wish them all the best as they continue to breathe new life into our much-loved Old Petrie Town.”

The Heritage Hotel has been contacting guests with function bookings to make alternative arrangements. Celebrations, weddings and functions can still be booked at Old Petrie Town.

Acting Mayor Shipway asked visitors to be “patient while we deliver works in a staged approach, to minimise disruptions”.