Authors: Dr Sue Rosen and Liz Gorman
Client: Imperial Hotel, Rooty Hill
Our team prepared a thorough Photographic Archival Recording of the local and state heritage listed Imperial Hotel, in fulfillment of conditions outlined by council in seeking a DA. We also prepared a Heritage Impact Statement to support the client's prospective alterations to the rear hotel addition (c. 1995).
The Imperial was developed by local landowner, Francis (Frank) Weston, who had substantial property in the area. It was officially opened on Wednesday 6 August 1890, as Rooty Hill began to emerge as a developing locality with a few shops established near the Railway Station.
The hotel initially prospered due to the racetrack and as a focal point for local community activities and meetings, but profits declined and the Imperial's beer license was transferred in 1936 to a new hotel at Wallacia, with the Imperial closing on 9 December 1937. The Imperial was re-opened as a wine bar by Penfolds Wines in 1938 and now continues to prosper.