The design approach for the reconstruction of Royal on George was one of a modest intervention of an historic hotel. It develops a mix of old and new elements, involves a careful editing and conservation of existing fabric to create a 'hip' spatial organisation, which generates a spontaneous excitement not found in new buildings.
The Tasmanian Heritage Council and the Launceston City Council approved the redevelopment.

The Redevelopment:
Jack Birrell was commissioned to undertake a design and feasibility study to redevelop the Royal Hotel. The hotel was in considerable need of refurbishment following neglect and poor management from past licensees. The design aims were to transform the Hotel's identity by creating a contemporary bar-café atmosphere, while at the same time giving back a sensitive reinstatement of earlier historic elements. The renovations consisted of totally gutting the existing building, installing new structural steel members to create large spaces, up grading toilets and keg room, creating new disabled toilets and bar/eating area and the installation of a floating timber floor.

Archival Research:
Extensive archival research of the Queen Victoria Museum's photographic collection revealed two well-preserved photographs showing a grand façade modelled in the late Victorian era. Careful on site investigations revealed that the hotel was formerly two separate, plain Georgian buildings that were unified, circa 1870. At this time the buildings were given a highly decorative Victorian façade treatment. Unfortunately, most of the elaborate façade mouldings and the archway were 'lost' this century due to 'modernisation,' only the deeply moulded cornice remained. The façade is of particular note being part of a group of significant facades on both east and west sides of George Streets, and is also mentioned in reference to an extension of this precinct along Brisbane Street Launceston.

Royal on George has received three nominations thus far and we are proud to say that we were successful in all three.
Jack Birrell was successful in gaining the 'Heritage Award' from the Royal Australian Institute of Architecture.
Fairbrother Pty Ltd, our renovators were nominated for two awards in the Master Builders Association awards. Firstly, excellence in renovations/fit out up to $250,000, and secondly, Excellence in heritage building restoration up to $500,000. Fairbrother Pty Ltd was a successful winner in both categories. The Royal on George logo and Gates Bar logo was entered 'The Printing Industry's Craftsmanship Awards'. We were successful in winning both the 'Category of Logographic Design', and 'The platinum award for graphic design'.

Received second place in the safer times in Launceston for woman.
The establishment that came first was a restaurant; therefore we were voted the safest live entertainment venue for woman.
From Bass radio and award for excellence in marketing for two for twenty-two campaign.