A long-awaited view rejoined the Eden streetscape on Saturday as the partially restored facade of Hotel Australasia was uncovered.
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Builder Neil Rankin purchased the historic building in 2019 from council, which had itself bought it in 2016 on the behest of residents wanting to see it saved from developers.
Key to the wishes of locals - and Mr Rankin himself - was to see the original 1904 facade restored to its former glory.
"It's worth saving and being a local I've got my heart behind it. I'm going to enjoy doing it up for the town. I'm passionate for Eden; I feel it will be an enjoyable project," Mr Rankin said at the time of purchasing the building.
On Saturday, the first part of that labour of love was shared with the public as scaffolding was removed to reveal the top half of the painstakingly restored front facade.
Community group Imagine Eden was watching on for the entire day, serving up tasty sausage sandwiches and cakes from 9am for both passers-by as well as all the tradies working on the building.
They also provided afternoon tea and entertainment to the workers after the final pieces of scaffolding were removed.
There's still plenty to do before the building is back in operation as the facade is essentially all that remains aside from a few internal walls and balconies.