Guildford residents can hold onto their socks, because the Guildford Hotel Redevelopment Group says it has finalised its plans to revitalise the heritage-listed landmark and is ready to lodge a formal development application for the site.
The group's lead adviser, Jeff Braddock, said architect Sandover Pinder had completed detailed floor plans and conceptual elevations of the hotel and the development site, and Greg Rowe and Associates had completed a detailed planning report.
The hotel has been in a decrepit state since it was gutted by fire in September 2008.
Fears the building would be left to rot resulted in widespread protest from Guildford residents, who launched an awareness campaign after the fire by tying hundreds of socks to security fencing around the site, in an attempt to 'sock-it' to the owners.
Mr Braddock said once the development application was submitted, he would consult with Guildford residents on the plans in accordance with local government regulations.
"We are very excited to have reached a point where we have a workable plan incorporating the refurbishment of the hotel and the protection of the heritage aspects of not only the building, but the whole site," Mr Braddock said.
"The owners have a vision to create a viable development that can showcase the best of the Swan Valley's produce and serve as a western gateway to the local tourism region - one that also provides a sophisticated hospitality hub for Guildford.
Mr Braddock said the refurbishment would incorporate the hotel's original heritage features.
"All heritage features that could be salvaged were identified and stored under the guidance of a heritage architect, overseen by the Heritage Council," he said.
"These will be reincorporated into the redeveloped hotel, along with several other heritage photographs that also survived the fire."
