The Clarion Hotel City Park Grand building is an institution in the fabric of Launceston’s rich history.
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Situated on the corner of Tamar Street and William Street, the grand building has had many interesting incarnations.
The land it lives on was initially owned by ship owner and builder Jonathan Griffiths.
Mr Griffiths came to Australia as a convict at the age of 15.
He had been convicted of grand larceny.
He arrived in Port Jackson in 1790, and was then transferred to Norfolk Island.
After completing his sentence in 1795, he returned to Sydney and became a successful builder and grain and coal transporter.
He relocated to Launceston in 1822 and purchased the land the hotel sits on.
The hotel was built in the mid 1850s and was initially a lively pub popular with sailors whose ships were docked at the nearby wharves.
The hotel was known as the Dorset Tavern.
In January 1868, the first Duke of Edinburgh Prince Alfred hit the ground opposite the building with a silver spade to signify the beginning of the construction of Tasmania’s first steel railway.
The pub became increasingly bustling as the railway network grew in popularity, bringing more punters to the city.
In 1876, the pub’s name was changed to The Terminus Hotel.
The construction of another local landmark, the Albert Hall, brought eager visitors to Launceston in 1891, and consequently improved the tavern’s trade.
In 1986, the building underwent major renovations and became the Prince Albert Inn, and decorations reflected its royal name: royal-related stained glass windows were installed and dark red curtains hung in the restaurant.
The inn underwent major renovations in 2007, and the name was changed to the City Park Grand Hotel to reflect its location and aesthetic.
Clarion Hotel City Park Grand general manager Phyllis Phegan said visitors appreciated the building’s 165-year history.
“The stables are the original stables, we've kept the building in its original state but brought it into this century," Ms Phegan said.
Ms Phegan said the building’s exterior would appear the same today as it did a century ago.
"When we did our renovations, we found a secret staircase with the old flock wallpaper.
“We were going to put it in a glass case and put it in the passage way but it fell apart,” Ms Phegan said.
Hand-made nails were also discovered during the renovations.
"I think [my favourite aspect is] the heritage, it has kept its heritage and we do impart that onto our guests,” Ms Phegan said.
