A DA application for the rebuilding of the premises was recently lodged with Muswellbrook Shire Council. 

The historic hall suffered significant damage from a fire on December 28, 2015. 

The interior of the building was extensively destroyed while the heritage exterior has been confirmed as structurally sound. 

The concept design, which is available to view on council’s website, sees the restoration and refurbishment of the hall into a multi-purpose facility.

If the DA application is approved, council anticipates the project will go to tender and construction will start later this year.

“In the meantime, painting of the heritage facade facing Ogilvie Street will begin prior to the refurbishment as the colour scheme is in accordance with the original scheme,” a council spokesperson said.

“It is expected that the painting [of the heritage facade] will be completed in time for this year’s Upper Hunter Wine and Food Affair on May 5.”

And, that’s put a smile on the face of chamber vice-president Amanda Collins.

“Council has promised us to have it finished by then, which is great,” she said.

“It’s a bit of an eyesore at the moment.

“But any progress on the hall – even the heritage facade – is a good thing.

“The way it was last year was an inconvenience; we couldn’t utilise that space at all.

“However, anything that works in with the town’s facade is wonderful.

“So, the pressure’s on council to have it completed.”