P0041165_RPT_IRR - Copy

envisaged scheme, and represents a much greater scope of work for this site. This enlarged scope of
work is well in excess the current program of works to be delivered at this hotel.

It is also pointed out that this scheme is not a traditional heritage restoration project, insofar as all later
additions to the building will be removed and the building restored to its absolutely original form. The
lodged scheme, and the scheme as revised, takes into account the modern requirements for the
operation of regional hotels, and works largely within the current fabric of the building to rejuvenate the
hotel operation, without having a negative impact on the significant fabric of the building, and the
cultural significance of the site in a broader sense.

For the specific items noted, the applicant specifically advises as follows:

     While no original drawings survive documentary evidence of early photographs suggests that the
      loggias to the ground floor to the southern and eastern wings were originally open. We are unsure
      as to how the “enclosed loggias” can be “reinstated”, and understand this request to mean
      reinstate the open nature of the loggias. It is emphasised that these spaces provide valuable
      lettable space for the hotel. Therefore it is important that these areas remain enclosed as part of
      the overall facility as part of this application.

     The structure to the awning roofs of the loggias will be retained and the existing sheeting will be
      replaced with new sheeting.

     The external stairwell to Poinciana Avenue will not be removed. It is considered a valuable
      alternative point for egress from the first floor of the building for patrons.

     The existing balustrading to the upper level verandahs will not be removed. While the current
      vertical slatted balustrading may not be sympathetic to the original architectural design of the
      building, it is considered important that this is retained in-situ. It would appear that the simple
      horizontal steel pipe balustrading that is visible in early photographs also remains in-situ in many
      places along the verandah. If the current vertical slatted balustrading was to be removed it would
      need to be replaced with an alternative form of balustrading, as the extant horizontal balustrading
      would not be compliant with current codes and would frankly be unsafe for any occupation of the
      first floor. Again, the scope of work that would be required to address this, and the additional cost,
      is well beyond the allocated program of work for this site. The scheme as it stands retains the
      existing balustrading (the vertical slatted and the horizontal pipe), does not affect either of these
      elements, and allows for a later consideration of this aspect of the overall design of the Royal Mail
      Hotel as part of future works.

     The existing street frontage vertical metal pool style fencing will be removed as part of the revised
      scheme and replaced with a new fence to the southern beer garden. This new fence will have
      vertical balustrading to match the existing fence in this location. In this regard, this modern
      element will be clearly modern and will not replicate the horizontal balustrading of the original
      building and its 1930s/1940s Art Deco/Functionalist design, consistent with good heritage
      practice of not mimicking original and significant details in new elements. It is acknowledged that
      the landscaped area fronting Poinciana Avenue and Diyan Street was originally an open space,
      emphasising the L-shaped form of the hotel building. It is considered that the removal of the
      1990s toilet block in this location will be of a considerable visual benefit to the aesthetic
      appreciation of the Royal Mail Hotel. The height of any new fencing will be negligible in
      comparison to the main L-shaped building form of the hotel building, and its form is considered of
      little aesthetic impact on the aesthetic appreciation of the Royal Mail Hotel as a result.

4.4       Demolition and alterations to northern area

For point 16, the following information in response is provided.

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P0041165_RPT_IRR