It requires the successul tenderer to restore the original part of the old hotel, including the facade, and demolish non-original sections.

Selection will be based on previous project experience, as well as being able to demonstrate “local community benefit” and commercial activation of the building.

Responsibility for the repair and maintenance of the laneway – which links the rear carpark with Imlay Street – rests with the new owner, negating any requirement on council to carry out work.

An easement over the laneway grants right of way to the council and the public.

The tender requires the purchaser to commence the restoration within nine months and complete it within two years.

It also refers to council’s intention to list the old hotel – which was built in 1904 in expectation of Eden becoming Australia’s federal port – as a heritage item under the Local Environment Plan 2013.

In 2016, then mayor Michael Britten touted the laneway as a future home for the award-winning sculpture 'The Giving Tree'. He said he could visualise the walkway complete with garden, paving and outdoor artworks.

Under the shire’s DA for the building, there is no additional car parking at the rear.

President of the Eden’s Australasia community group, Peter Whiter, said that all the group ever wanted was for building to be restored.

“If that, indeed, happens then it’s a win for the community and it’s a win for our organisation,” Mr Whiter said. “It appears, on the face of it, that is what is intended by the tender documents.”

Mr Whiter said he was glad to see that the laneway would remain open which afforded some protection to the integrity of the building. 

A pre-tendering meeting will be held at Bega Commemorative Civic Centre on Thursday, July 13, at 1pm. Tenders close on August 2.