The 1.9 million plans include a northwest extension and refurbishment of the 1850s building to return the door and window configuration to their original corner store and solicitor’s office layout, in addition to replacing the the first floor verandah and roof.  

The council added conditions to build the verandah from timber rather than steel beams to better echo design from the period. 

Orange and District Historical Society member Euan Greer addressed councillors praising the design for the city’s oldest double-storey brick building.

“Normally I’m asking council to reject or modify an application for some sort of heritage building [but] this time I’m speaking in support of the proposal with the conditions as outlined,” he said.

Councillor Stephen Nugent asked for secure bike facilities to be added.