“It’s lucky the deal fell over when it did,” president of Eden’s Australasia Peter Whiter said in reference to the proposed sale of the hotel to Irisha Pty and Rubycove Pty.

Now the group is hoping to go a step further having responded to the request for expressions of interest from council.

Mr Whiter said he and Graeme Wykes had spoken with council and had put in an expression of interest in time for the closing date of October 17.

“We will also be speaking with state and federal politicians and seriously looking at grant options,” Mr Whiter said.

The side deed attached to the hotel is the item that makes it particularly valuable to the community because it would provide access using the existing laneway along the side of the hotel, to the major public car park at the rear of the hotel and other shops along Imlay Street.

The side deed also ensures that the facade will be restored providing a heritage streetscape.

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