LAUREL HOTEL

The building is two-storeys in height, with an irregular plan which reflects its comet site and construction in two stages. It has ruled rendered walls an exposed hipped slate roof. The ground floor is articulated by simple corner pilastets (probably of bluestone), while the first floor has massive quoins to the corners and the windows.

The single-storey, 20th-century additions to the south and west sides are not of significance. The verandah is also of no significance.

How is it significant?
The Laurel Hotel is of rarity value, historical, aesthetic and social significance to the City of Moonee Valley.

Why is it significant?
The Laurel Hotel is a rare early surviving hotel building. The business was started on this site in 1853 or '54 to serve the passing goldrush trade en route to the Castlemaine goldfields, as were many others on Mt Alexander Road. The present building was constructed for publican Patrick Dolan between 1857 and '62, making it the earliest surviving hotel building in Moonee Valley, and one of the longest operating businesses in the area. (Criteria B & A)

Historically, also for its links to the racing industry which characterises the southern part of Moonee Valley. Publican Thomas Chadwick, who took up the license in 1866, had close links with Flemington Racecourse and expanded the premises onto Middle Street to accommodate both jockeys and their horses. Champion horses visiting for the Melbourne Cup and other local race meetings at Flemington were regularly accommodated in the hotel stables. The Laurel also served as a venue for viewing prize racehorses displayed for sale. (Criterion A)

Aesthetically, it is an attractive and intact example of an early Victorian commercial building, distinguished by bold quoins to the first floor. (Criterion D)

Socially, as a focus for community recreation continuously since the early 1850s, particularly for the racing fraternity. (Criterion G)

Group

Recreation and Entertainment

Category

Hotel