Commonwealth Hotel
Commonwealth Hotel
Monument of bygone times
Ipswich’s Murphy’s hotel, formerly known as Commonwealth Hotel, once graced Union Street circa 1910 as a testament to the craftsmanship of Ipswich’s esteemed tradespeople of that era. This two-story landmark bore witness to numerous transformations over the years, from the redevelopment of the railway station in 1978 to the establishment of Nicholas Street Mall in 1986, where the passage of time saw nearly half of its structure succumb to subsidence.
The challenge ahead
Engaging the expertise of QHR became imperative as the revitalisation of Ipswich’s CBD’s Nicholas Street precinct was in the process of redevelopment and included preserving the legacy of the Commonwealth hotel and remain a feature in the new urban landscape.
The undertaking before us wasn’t straightforward. It presented significant challenges, as the intricate process of deconstruction and salvage of this size, unprecedented in this country, required careful planning and precise execution.
The undertaking before us wasn’t straightforward. It presented significant challenges, as the intricate process of deconstruction and salvage of this size, unprecedented in this country, required careful planning and precise execution.
The process
Under the stewardship of QHR, a comprehensive retention plan for securing and maintaining safety emerged through collaborative efforts with engineers and heritage architects, guaranteeing safety throughout the deconstruction process. Crack monitoring during deconstruction provided real-time assessment of structural integrity, while a meticulously catalogued database facilitated the systematic removal and storage of every architectural element, from architraves to verandah posts, doors to windows, floorboards to VJ walls and ceilings all destined for future reinstatement.
Along with the meticulous brick by brick removal of the western wall, almost half of the double brick façade, necessitated innovative solutions for the deconstruction. QHR designed an encapsulation system to safeguard the façade sections during removal, transportation, and eventual reassembly. Precision planning was paramount, with each component undergoing tailored processes to address varying degrees of damage, demanding utmost care and precision.
Along with the meticulous brick by brick removal of the western wall, almost half of the double brick façade, necessitated innovative solutions for the deconstruction. QHR designed an encapsulation system to safeguard the façade sections during removal, transportation, and eventual reassembly. Precision planning was paramount, with each component undergoing tailored processes to address varying degrees of damage, demanding utmost care and precision.
Preserving the past for the future
Though not tasked with the final construction phase, QHR remains deeply invested in the preservation of this heritage icon. Proudly contributing to its 114-year history, we stand as custodians of its legacy, ensuring its enduring presence for years to come.
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