The Buckingham Arms hotel is set to undergo a significant transformation.
A new ten-storey mixed-use building is planned to be erected behind the historic two-storey hotel. This modern structure will house retail spaces on the ground floor and owner-occupied apartments above.
The hotel itself will undergo a restoration, with post-1950s additions being removed to bring back its original charm. The aim is to enhance the hotel’s historic essence while introducing a modern touch to the surroundings.
Designed in a ‘V’ shape to complement the site’s triangular geometry, the mixed-use building will stand as a contemporary counterpart to the historic hotel. This building will be set apart, serving as a neutral backdrop to the Buckingham Arms Hotel.
Additionally, there will be three and four-storey buildings for townhouses and commercial spaces, respectively. These will be separated from the main building by an internal road. The design also includes two basement levels for parking.
The Buckingham Arms hotel stands at a prominent intersection, surrounded by a mix of contemporary and historic buildings, and the proposed development aims to blend seamlessly into this landscape. While the new building will undoubtedly be a dominant feature, its design ensures it doesn’t overshadow the historic hotel.
Currently, the Buckingham Arms Hotel, a recognized Local Heritage Place, stands alongside several later additions, a shed, and a bitumen carpark. The proposed development seeks to rejuvenate the site while respecting its heritage. Non-heritage additions, the shed, and the carpark are slated for demolition.
The conservation works will focus on refurbishing the hotel’s exterior, reconstructing its former ground floor external north-west corner, and preserving its iconic verandah and balcony. The hotel’s interior will be transformed into a retail space, spanning 350 square meters across two floors, intended for food and beverage offerings.
The ground floor will house commercial tenancies, while the first level will feature 28 serviced apartments. Levels 2 to 9 will accommodate a total of 146 residential dwellings, ranging from one-bedroom units to luxurious penthouses.
The Buckingham Hotel has had a long history. In the 1920s, the area around the hotel began to buzz with new developments, including a motor trade business. The hotel itself has seen many owners and has been reshaped multiple times. After V.H. Simpson’s passing in 1926, the hotel saw upgrades in the 1930s. By the 1950s, it was nestled in a lively neighbourhood with homes and shops.
Just a few years later, in 1955, Pierce Matthews Ltd. took over and began a series of expansions, introducing fresh and exciting features to the hotel. The 1960s and 70s saw the neighbourhood transform further, with new housing styles popping up and the hotel itself getting a facelift.
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