mmg.com.au

The developer planning to re-open the historic Federal Hotel in Deniliquin has confirmed preparatory works have begun.

Cleaning has begun inside the building and a structural engineer has been employed to look at the crack in the facade of the building facing Cressy St.

Thessaloniki Holdings spokesperson Steve Ellis said security measures have also been introduced at the empty hotel because of a number of break-ins.

Mr Ellis said lights are being left on in the hotel to deter vandals and would-be thieves, and said the hotel is also being monitored.

‘‘There is a lot of damage by vandals,’’ he said.

‘‘We’ve had about three or four break-ins, and windows and doors have been smashed.’’

Mr Ellis said a few more details need to be finalised before the company can begin the full-scale project to re-open the hotel, and said he is ‘‘very keen’’ to get to that stage.

The Federal Hotel has been dormant since 2009, and Thessaloniki Holdings Pty Ltd bought it at auction the following year.

Despite placing plans in the hotel window some time ago, the company did not confirm its intentions for the hotel until August last year.

It is expected to be returned to its former glory, and re-opened as a boutique hotel offering a quality restaurant and accommodation.

Mr Ellis confirmed some of the preliminary cleaning work has been done to clear out and deter pigeons, which have been wrecking havoc on the CBD.

In August, Mr Ellis also said a ‘‘local’’ would be hired to manage the building on the Ellis’ behalf.

This week he said he was closer to announcing who the hotel’s manager will be.

Deniliquin Council general manager Des Bilske confirmed a development application for the Federal Hotel has not yet been received, meaning major structural work for the hotel is not yet ready to start.

Deniliquin Mayor Lindsay Renwick said he was excited to see ‘‘movement at the station’’.