After sitting empty and idle for the last 18 months the New Tattersalls Hotel in Keen Street is slowly coming back to life.

Unfortunately, for some with fond memories of the old pub in its hey day, not as a pub or night club but as accommodation helping locals get back on their feet.

Built in the 1920's the New Tattersalls Hotel has always retained the same name and has operated as a hotel/pub but since the 2017 floods, the working hotel never got back on its feet with the last of the lessees, Rod and Kim Bradbury, closing the doors in February 2018.

Twelve weeks ago real estate agent, Robert McLennan gained possession of the iconic building and together with his team, have been turning it into cheap accommodation for people who have been down on their luck and in need of a second chance.

"People have come to me from homeless situations, we vet them very carefully and the people that we think are ready to make a commitment, to improve themselves, that need a bit of help. They're the ones we'll take on", Robert said.

"For someone who wants to get a roof over their head and a bed and want to make a new start, I'm here to help them. I help them socially if they need extra food, I'll provide them with a bit of money to get them through hard times, even vitamin c tablets to aid them in their recovery", he went on.

(a single room upstairs at the New Tattersalls hotel. Photo: Simon Mumford)

There is a criticism of the new accomodation style business by some in the CBD by saying that it only attracts people that may cause more trouble and potential violence in the CBD, this is something that Robert refutes. "I deny that vehemently", he said, "what it is is trying to lift these people out of the economic and social bog they're in and try and limit and change their habits to get them back on the rails again". "I will not tolerate drug users. I've had a number of people try and get in to the hotel to establish a drug distribution point within the hostel because of it's location and they are gone. One lasted two days when I found out what was going on. I will not tolerate drug use in the hostel", Robert explained.

(the mission statement for prospective tenants. Photo: Simon Mumford)

Robert has installed 27 camera's within the premises to monitor the actions of his tenants in common areas to closely monitor this situation.

When I asked what sort of people rent his rooms, Robert explained that they're trying to attract a reasonable standard of people and they are now achieving this. Some tenants have alcohol abuse problems, which Robert tries to limit the use of while another couple of young people have self harmed.

"We are trying to create this family environment where they are all part of the same family and getting away from the drug use and other undesirable elements", Robert said. "We have one lady that has overcome alcoholism since she has been there".

"It's cheap rent. We keep it clean, we have two on-site carers, we have the linen washed for them on a weekly basis. I try to be fair, they get one warning letter then their gone. Most of them that have had a rough start appreciate the fact that it's clean, it's quiet", he said.

(the upstairs common room. Photo: Simon Mumford)

As for the future of the New Tattersalls Hotel?

Robert explained that he is looking at our options downstairs. They have created another two rooms, just had them painted and carpeted with another two or three areas to be redeveloped yielding another four rooms. The old nightclub area will be redeveloped into a sort of communal area and a garden area built at the back of the building for tenants to enjoy plus a bbq area on the side.

When asked about the street front main bar Robert said they were looking to attain a grant for the purpose of starting up a restaurant or café which will be partially staffed with volunteer labour from the hostel after being trained in hospitality. "My plan, at this stage is have limited hours when we open, from 9am to 3pm during the week and 11am to 8pm on weekends", he said.

(the front main bar with the aim to turn it into a restaurant/cafe. Photo: Simon Mumford)

The saloon bar at the back of the premises will probably be turned into our own offices

With the future of the New Tattersalls Hotel outlined, Robert did say that it will be a slow process. One step at a time.

The new business model will have its detractors, it is hard to deny the social good that Robert and his family are trying to achieve with the New Tattersalls Hotel.