The former St Bathans post office could be turned into
tourist accommodation.
Department of Conservation (Doc) Central Otago area manager
Mike Tubbs said the latest restoration work on the building
was due to start this winter.
It would involve maintenance work and upgrading the interior
to a standard that was acceptable for accommodation.
He said Doc called for proposals of interest for use of the
building early last year.
"It's all about trying to get the building used. We are
working with another party who expressed interest in leasing
the building to provide accommodation."
Initial estimates of the cost of the upgrade are around
$250,000, although Doc had budgeted only $53,000 in the next
financial year.
He said negotiations were under way with the people
considering leasing the building, over sharing the rest of
the cost.
Doc has entered into similar cost-sharing arrangements in the
past, Mr Tubbs said, citing Alexandra's Courthouse Cafe as an
example.
The restoration work, which will include interior decorating,
and upgrading the water, electrical and drainage systems, is
expected to take two years.
The former post office was built in 1909 and operated as a
post office till 1937, when it became a private residence.
It was designed by Public Works Department architect John
Campbell, who also designed Dunedin's Law Courts building and
Dunedin Prison.
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