The Tibooburra Hotel is on its way to becoming an “oasis in the outback” with the building’s makeover well underway.
Construction work is two months in after a fire caused destruction to the venue last February and forced the business into temporary closure.
It is gradually making strides toward its former glory and is tipped to be a special and unique site for locals and visitors.
“It was my home when I was a kid and I want to bring the old place back to something magnificent,” Owner Tracey Hotchin said.
“It’s a fantastic old building that just needs some pazazz put back into it.”
Mrs Hotchin runs the hotel with her husband Craig and wants to make it a venue everyone can enjoy.
The motel rooms are already in use and await final touches. Work on the kitchen and dining areas is now the focus before the beer garden construction begins.
“It’s coming along really well,” Mrs Hotchin said. “We had some hold-ups with materials and trying to find tradies.
“It’s going to be a complex that’s going to be very well put together once we’ve finished.”
Barlow Builders from Broken Hill were hired by management to carry out the renovations.
Parts of the original sandstone were able to stay in place after getting the green light from engineers.
“It’s been a long process with the clean-up and then getting the clearance,” Mrs Hotchin said.
“When we look back at where we’ve come from, we’ve achieved a lot.
“I think it’s going to be a different type of accommodation and venue for people to come and visit.”
Management aims to complete construction and have all facilities operational by the end of the year.
Mrs Hotchin is pleased with the cooperation from patrons while the ongoing improvements are being made to the site.
“All our guests have been mindful of the construction site around them and obey the rules of how to get around to the front of the hotel,” she said.
“It’s all worked really well and everyone has been grateful and working with us.”
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