Work has begun to rebuild the Avenue Hotel’s hospitality area, 18 months after it was gutted by fire.

Part-owner of the Whanganui establishment, Dot McKinnon, said demolition had started and the new layout would be “totally different to what we had”.

The project would be completed by the end of the year.

“This is more cafe-style, with a private dining room as opposed to a big restaurant.

“There will also be a beautiful, big new kitchen and we’ve had various chefs involved to get it right.”

The July 2023 fire started in the kitchen, caused by the failure of a thermostat in a deep fryer.

McKinnon said a lot of work had gone into all aspects of planning, from ventilation to noise levels for diners.

‘We didn’t want to just reinstate, we wanted something that was modern and more focused on locals as well as guests.

“There will be a lot of garden and lovely aesthetics.”

Demolition had to be handled with care because of existing wiring and plumbing, she said.

“We have to keep the accommodation going and we are making sure there is minimal upheaval to those who are staying with us.”

McKinnon said planning what would fill the new space would begin in the second half of 2025.

The Mothership bar and restaurant operated at the hotel before the fire.

“We will need not just one chef but two or three, as well as food and beverage staff,” she said.

Whanganui builder Shane Stone is doing the work, with Black Pine Architects designing and overseeing the project.

Mike Tweed is a multimedia journalist at the Whanganui Chronicle. Since starting in March 2020, he has dabbled in everything from sport to music. At present his focus is local government, primarily the Whanganui District Council.