NEW Owners of the Rosewood Hotel, Luke and Lynnette Chalmers, are not letting the dust settle following their purchase and have scoped out a whole array of renovations to “bring life back” to the historic building.

The hotel was first licensed in 1870 burnt down in 1912 and was re-built in 1914.

Built as both a refreshment and accommodation venue, today it has 11 bedrooms on the upper level, with the bar, entertainment space and kitchen area on the lower level.

Formerly owned by David Pahlke and Carol Moore, the hotel has been closed to the public as a bar, restaurant and entertainment venue for some years, but now the Chalmers family have big plans to get the pub “back into business”.

“This is not our first big renovation,” Luke said.

“Our career is in the building and hospitality industries and we have previously assisted with the restoration of the Mihi Tavern in Ipswich and the Story Bridge Hotel in Brisbane.

“We share a real passion in this field and we have extensive experience restoring hotels and clubs.”

The plans for the renovations are drawn up and the couple are awaiting approval from the Ipswich City Council.

“Currently, there is no kitchen or toilet on the bottom level of the building, we have sent the plans through to Council and we are waiting on approval, so that we can start the construction process,” Luke said.

“Once we get the green light, everything will take shape.”

Their aim is to open the doors to the public in September, this year.

“The layout will remain the same, because we like the old country charm that the hotel holds, therefore we would like to keep the current structure as original as possible,” Luke continued.

“Live entertainment and a welcoming atmosphere are what we are focussing on, so we will be adding large bi-fold doors to the back of the building, that will open up onto a large timber deck that will lead to a stage, beer garden and a children’s play area.”

This addition of an open space entertainment area will act as a boost to the restaurant and bar area.

“We are all about supporting locals, so we are wanting to offer employment to experienced people in the area and all of the produce that we will serve from our kitchen will be sourced locally,” he said.

“Everybody has been so friendly and welcoming and we cannot wait to get stuck into renovating this country gem so that we can open the doors once again to all families.”