Sir Joseph Banks Hotel Dating back to the 1840’s when the land and 70 surrounding acres was acquired by Thomas Kellett. He built stage 1 of the hotel being the Georgian style hotel known as “The Inn” which was completed in 1840, received its liquor licence in October 1844 but is thought to have been operating as a hotel and inn since 1841. A colonial addition was built adjacent to The Inn in the 1850’s now known as “The Kellett”. Taking centre stage was a grand Victorian Italianate wing built in the 1870’s. Thousands would flock to the grounds to enjoy the pleasures of Australia’s first Zoo or to listen to bands and dance the days and nights away. By 1906 it became the Olympic Recreation Grounds In 1920 a newer hotel by the same name was to be built on Botany Rd. The hotel and outbuildings fell into serious disrepair in the early part of last century, were listed for demolition by Botany Council in 1926 only to be saved from that fate when bought by James Ruttley at auction for 1,450 pounds in 1930. His daughter, Doris Rutley took up residence at the hotel in 1931 and was to live there for the next 52 years until her death. In 1969, on Mrs Rutleys initiative, the building was added to the National Trusts Register of Historic Buildings. In 1978, it was given a permanent conservation order and included in the Australian Heritage Commissions Register of the National Estate After being restored in 1999 the Sir Joseph Banks Hotel Strata Plan “The Banks” was registered. It comprises 19 apartments and townhouses on 3561 m2 of land. Sources; thebanks.net.au, Google Street View
Posted on: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 06:13:19 +0000
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