Old Petrie Town delivering renewed experience

Published 12 May 2026

City of Moreton Bay delivering a renewed visitor experience at Old Petrie Town
Council has invested $2.5 million on upgrades, restoration works and the maintenance of buildings, assets and infrastructure
Hotel next building to get a makeover following retirement of lessee

The rejuvenation of Old Petrie Town is ramping up, with a makeover of the hotel at the much-loved historical village to soon get underway.

Council is preparing to revitalise the hotel facilities after the long-term licence holder of the Heritage Hotel announced his retirement.

Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway said the ending of the Heritage Hotel lease presented Council with a timely opportunity to renovate the building and seek expressions of interest for a new lease.

“Old Petrie Town is a charming and much-loved historical village and Council has been busy working towards delivering a renewed visitor experience at this unique site which spans 48 hectares,” she said.

“It’s been nearly a year since Council took over management of Old Petrie Town from the Y Queensland, who had managed the site for more than 25 years, and we continue to deliver on our commitment to revitalise this much-loved historical village.

“We’ve had tens of thousands of people through the site since we took over management last year and this financial year alone, we have invested $2.5 million on upgrades, restoration works and the maintenance of buildings, assets and infrastructure to ensure the safety of occupants and visitors.

“Work on three vacant buildings at the site is due to be completed in the next three months, while Council has earmarked additional building for restoration in the very near future.

“We have also been looking at where further improvements can be made, and the decision of the Hotel Heritage Hotel lessee to retire means we can start a major renovation of the hotel facilities.

The Heritage Hotel and Function Centre has long been a popular wedding, function and conference venue with a restaurant, licensed bar and multiple function spaces.

Lessee, Peter Hempsall said he was looking forward to retirement after enjoying a good innings at Old Petrie Town.

“I have so many fond memories of the hotel and our time at the village, but it is time for me to call it a day,” he said.

“It has been wonderful to see the work Council has put into the site this past year and I wish them all the best as they continue to breathe new life into our much-loved Old Petrie Town.”

The Heritage Hotel will officially close on Sunday 17 May and has been contacting guests with function bookings to make alternative arrangements.

Bookings for celebrations, weddings and functions at Old Petrie Town will continue, with Heritage Hotel bookings transitioning to Council management and available from 1 July 2026.

Council will commence repair and restoration of the hotel facilities before seeking a new leaseholder through a transparent tender process.

“We thank the community for their significant support for Old Petrie Town as we continue to methodically work to revitalise the site,” Acting Mayor Shipway said.

“We kindly ask for people to be patient while we deliver works in a staged approach, to minimise disruptions, as we work on rejuvenating this charming historic village so it can be enjoyed for many generations to come.”