Madison Eastmond, Murray Pioneer

A Riverland Hotel has been awarded a $20,000 State Heritage Grant to aid in its major restoration project.

The State Government last month announced Hotel Renmark had received a $20,000 grant for roof repairs.

“Around 10 months ago, a 5kg concrete slab fell off the building’s soffit onto the road,” Hotel Renmark general manager Darren Baker said.

“We got the maximum funding, so that will repair any concreate and re-render the building.

“It all helps, but our project is $700,000.

“While the funds of the Hotel Renmark go back into giving local jobs and the community for sponsorships, they also go into the repairs and maintenance of a 120-year-old building, which is ever present and always one of the first things we have to look after.”

With the project approved by Stage Heritage and the hotel’s community board, Hotel Renmark will also be painted.

“We are taking opportunity to paint the whole building,” Mr Baker said.

“The hotel actually wasn’t this current colour originally, so we’re going back to what it used to be.”

The signage on the front of the building will also to match the recent return to the 1950s original brand of Hotel Renmark.

The restoration works began last week and are scheduled to be finished by the end of November 2024.

“Hotel Renmark is still open for business,” Mr Baker said.

“Nothing will happen internally. The building is just getting a facelift and some TLC.

“Along with the works council is doing, the Renmark frontage will look fabulous by Christmas.

“We just ask for the community’s patience and to obey the signage.”

A total of $250,000 in grants are made available each year over the heritage grants 10-year program. For further information visit: www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/heritage/heritage-grants

This article appeared in the Murray Pioneer, 17 July 2024.