Alderman Janie Finlay moved an alternate motion to ensure the site’s history would be preserved, if something archaeological was found at the site. 

The motion stated if archaeological remains were found at the site, all work was to cease immediately, and the findings preserved. This was supported unanimously.  

“We had made attempts to contact the developer to have his approval for this placed condition ... he said he approved of the included item,” Alderman Finlay told the meeting. 

The proposal will allow for developer Errol Stewart to expand Jackson Motor Company’s sales and service yard at lower Charles Street, the Esplanade and William Street. 

The hotel will be demolished, with exception of the Embankment Office facade, to make way for a $5 million redevelopment.

Aldermen had not made the decision to demolish the hotel lightly. 

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Alderman Rob Soward said all elected members had received a large amount of information about the site from concerned residents. 

“The spirit of that information has been captured in the amended motion,” he said. 

“But a frustration that came out [when the development] was first put forward was that the Riverview Hotel building was for sale for many, many years. Anyone in the world could have come along and bought it.

“However, the moment this proposal was put forward people were coming out of the woodwork with ideas of what should have been done with it.”

A development application regarding the outdoor dining area, which is considered as part of the East Tamar Highway, will be discussed in a separate development application in the future. 

The hotel, which was trading as Rusty Jacks Hotel, closed in April.