The Westgate Street building, located in the heart of the city centre, has been a landmark for many years, attracting the attention of both tourists and locals alike. With its impressive architecture and unique design, the building has stood the test of time and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of those who pass by it every day.
However, what many people don’t know is that this iconic building was not always used for its current purpose. In fact, it was originally built as a shared garage for two city centre hotels, making it a vital part of the hospitality industry in the area.
Back in the early 1900s, when the hotels were first built, the idea of having a shared garage was a novel concept. The two hotels, which were located on either side of the building, saw the potential in utilising the space for the convenience of their guests. The Westgate Street building was the perfect location, as it was easily accessible from both hotels and was large enough to accommodate a significant number of vehicles.
The construction of the shared garage was no easy feat. It required meticulous planning and execution to ensure that it could cater to the needs of both hotels. The building was designed to have two separate entrances and enough space for both hotels to have their own designated parking areas. The architects also made sure to incorporate elements of the existing buildings’ architecture into the design to create a seamless integration.
Once completed, the shared garage quickly became an integral part of the two hotels’ operations. It provided a safe and secure parking space for their guests’ vehicles, eliminating the hassle of finding parking in the busy city centre. The location of the building also made it convenient for guests to access their cars whenever they needed to, without having to venture too far from their hotel.
As time went by, the two hotels continued to thrive, and so did the Westgate Street building. However, as the demand for parking in the city centre increased, the shared garage began to face challenges. It became apparent that the building needed to evolve and adapt to keep up with the changing times.
In the 1950s, the decision was made to repurpose the building and turn it into a multi-use space. The first floor was transformed into a shopping centre, while the second floor was converted into office spaces. The shared garage remained on the ground floor, but it was expanded to cater to the growing number of guests and visitors.
The renovation of the building was met with great enthusiasm from the community. It not only provided a convenient shopping destination for locals and tourists, but it also brought in more business opportunities, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
Today, the Westgate Street building is a bustling hub of activity, with the shared garage still functioning as an essential part of the hospitality industry in the city centre. The shopping centre and office spaces have also become popular destinations, attracting people from all over the city.
The iconic building has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a shared garage. It has stood the test of time and has evolved with the changing needs of the city. It is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the community and a reminder of the importance of preserving historical landmarks.
As we continue to marvel at the Westgate Street building’s beauty and grandeur, let us not forget its humble origins as a shared garage for two city centre hotels. It is a reminder of the progress and development that our city has undergone and a symbol of the potential for growth and innovation in the future.
