1909
VOL. 115
NO. 36
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WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2023
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PRICE $1.50 INC GST
Industry Road Crash Charges
Marina Master Plan Update
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Breathing new life into old Post Office • Leoni and Joe Krushka are busy renovating the iconic old Scottsdale Post Office to turn it into a restaurant.
BY RACHEL WILLIAMS IN A sign of confidence for the local economy, a $1 million project is breathing new life into an iconic Scottsdale building. The development of the Heritage-listed Old Post Office and Telephone Exchange building in King St is in full swing, with a possible completion date before the New Year. Also formerly known as the Scott Centre, and with history as a second-hand shop and a bike store, it has sat empty for years. Leoni and David Krushka bought the building from Dorset Council in 2021 and a team of at least 30 tradesmen, including her electrician son Joe, have been busy giving it some much-needed love and attention. While a lease has not been settled, nor a name chosen, the building will become a restaurant, café and bar with similar
attributes to the popular Bridport Distilling Co. building, which Joe owns with his two sisters. “I loved the look of it and thought I could do something with it,” Mrs Krushka said. “I know Scottsdale is busy but David, who doesn’t spend a lot of time in Scottsdale, can’t believe the constant flow of traffic so it will be a good attraction for locals and visitors and a great spot for events.” Mr Krushka said it’s been a big project to tie in modern aesthetics with the internal heritage values. “We have removed all the Lath and plaster walls and exposed some of the old brick work,” he said. “We have knocked down some walls but the heritage doorways need to be kept in situ.” Mrs Krushka added: “They are being restored in a manner that shows all the
different colours of paint they have been over the journey.” A deck with a roofed arbour, in-keeping with the building's existing pitch, extends to the north and will play host to outdoor dining and entertainment. Inside there will be a commercial kitchen and large bar, with traditional seated dining and booth seating through a number of rooms. Ceilings with black roof tiles that don’t run right to the walls will allow for the inclusion of moody down lighting around the periphery of the rooms. “We hope to be in by Christmas if everything goes to plan,” she said. Mr Krushka added: “Working with the Heritage Council, if there has been any alterations along the way, it has been a bit of a slow process.” North East Chamber of Commerce
President Maria Branch welcomed the development as a positive for the region. “It’s always good to see new business in the area. It is a beautiful building and we do need to look after our Heritage-listed and older buildings,” Ms Branch said. “I would welcome with open arms a new place to have as a top-quality restaurant at night time as a tourism opportunity to encourage people to come and stay overnight in Scottsdale before they drive through – we need to get people to stay here longer.” Dorset History Society spokesman Nigel Mercer also said it was nice to see the building receive attention. “It was built in 1889 and is one of the few buildings, along with the Mechanics’ Institute, that is in its original state and tells you how it was back in the early days,” Mr Mercer said.
Sam Claessens and Douglas & Collins look forward to continuing to serve the North-East community. • Property Law & Conveyancing • Commercial Law • Wills & Estate Planning
• Estate Administration • Commercial & Estate Litigation • Workplace & Employment Law
You will find Sam at the Fresh building, 5 George Street, Scottsdale. Phone (03) 6332 3400 to make an appointment.
Visiting Scottsdale weekly!