We, the undersigned petitioners, highlight that the former Royal Willows Hotel complex in Quondola Street, Pambula, NSW, is a significant and irreplaceable heritage landmark in the township and formally request that it is retained and repurposed for the benefit of current and future generations. 

A recently submitted Development Application includes demolition of this much loved 130-year-old building and replacement with a large-scale complex including a supermarket, licensed café, take away bottle shop, and site user car parking. This will result in loss of a significant heritage landmark; a key part of the local government listed Quondola Street Heritage Conservation Area; an important and treasured physical link with our town’s story; an irreplaceable part of our streetscape; and an existing, beautiful green space, including 22 protected trees and stunning surrounds. If approved in its existing form, the development will extend from Quondola Street through to Merimbola Street, making it one of the largest CBD developments by far in our town. It will irrevocably change our little village forever, and not in a positive way.

As has been clearly demonstrated, Pambula has a long, strong and proud tradition of ensuring repurposing and reuse of our built heritage. It is recognised as a socially, culturally and environmentally responsible use of our resources and the town boasts many, many successful examples. We, the residents, ratepayers and visitors to the district therefore respectfully demand Bega Valley Shire Council staff and elected representatives work to prevent the permanent loss of the former Royal Willows Hotel complex and work instead towards retention and repurposing of aspects of the existing complex to accommodate a supermarket  of a sustainable size, reduced environmental impact and less economic effect on other small, independent and locally owned businesses.