Murchison’s Commercial Hotel and Cafe was demolished in recent weeks after 145 years standing in the town.
The building on the corner of Fairfax and Waller St opened in 1878 during the influx of gold miners in the area and was operated by legendary prospector George Moonlight.
After the wooden building was destroyed in a fire in 1927, a new rough-cast building reinforced with concrete was established in its place in 1928, along with a BNZ office and a robust vault to weigh and store the fortunes of local gold miners and the growing community.
Fast forward to 2020, and the building was deemed earthquake prone by Tasman District Council, and its owner was given seven years to strengthen the historic venue.
Nelson App understands demolition started in late-September following the purchase of the site by supermarket giant Foodstuffs, to build a new Four Square.
The Hocking family, who own the existing Four Square opposite the former Commercial Hotel and Cafe site, said on their Facebook page that the new store, which is planned to be completed in mid-2025, will have double the retail space size.
The family says it will also feature native planting, 28 sealed carparks and historical information panels on the Commercial and current Four Square will be removed and mounted on the new building.
They say it will also endeavour to incorporate other Commercial Hotel and Cafe information in the new build in a modern way.
Once demolition is finished, the site will be suitable for temporary parking until construction of the new building begins.
