FORMER RAILWAY HOTEL, BOX HILL

The site has the potential to contain moderate archaeological significance and moderate archaeological potential due to its association with the developing character of the Box Hill city centre from the 1880s boom through to the present day.  The Railway Hotel was constructed in 1882 by Silas Padgham. After various building alterations over the years, by 1911 the building featured nearly 20 rooms including large private and public bars, parlours, lounges, dining rooms, bedrooms and private living apartments. The hotel permanently closed in 1921 as a result of the Temperance Movement, and the building was converted into shops. A combination of small local business and larger franchises have operated from the space throughout the 20th and 21st centuries and there were a number of internal modifications throughout the years.

The site is of local historical significance as a representative of the developing commercial centre of Box Hill and its changing character from the 1880s land boom through to the present day. Additionally, it is significant in representing late 19th and early 20th Century working women, as the license holders of the venue were primarily women.