Council buys two historic Queen Street buildings

Campbelltown City Council has bought two historic buildings in the Queen Street town centre to secure their future.

The Old Railway Hotel, at 288 Queen Street and the Coach House at 298 Queen Street were bought at a public auction held last week.

Mayor of Campbelltown, Cr George Brticevic said council was committed to preserving our city’s local history where possible and the purchase of The Old Railway Hotel and The Coach House was a great outcome for our community.

“We are delighted that we have been successful in buying these properties which form an important part of the Queen Street heritage precinct and lend character to our main street,’’ he said.

“Both buildings are among the earliest surviving buildings in Campbelltown and they have played an important role in our city’s past.

[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“These buildings are widely recognised as having significant historic value to the early history of Australia and we are committed to conserving these valuable pieces of history.’’[/social_quote]

The buildings were built around the 1840s, and are listed on the NSW State Heritage Register and form part of the Queen Street Conservation Area.

The Old Railway Hotel is a two-storey Victorian-Georgian style building on 703sq m of land.

The Coach House comprises a pair of two-storey townhouses on approximately 350sq m of land and is currently vacant.

“Importantly, one of the historic buildings also contains an artwork that is of significance to our Aboriginal community,’’ Cr Brticevic said.

“We will consult with the women who were involved in this artwork and other Aboriginal women in the community about what will happen with this artwork in the future.’’

Following the settlement period, council plans to undertake restoration work on both buildings and is currently considering a range of options for their long-term use.