Robert and Jo Barlow bought the 3000 square metre site last year after Eva Matiszik and her late husband Karl had run it as a convention centre for 23 years.

Their plans for a nine-lot subdivision on the site were approved by Bathurst Regional Council last week.

The plans include a major restoration of the 1858 house, Arndilly House, converting the existing convention centre and former squash courts into residences and the construction of six new townhouses.

Earthworks are due to start this week and Mr Barlow hopes the project will be completed in 12 months.

He said his plans built on Mr Matiszik’s original vision for the site.

“I returned to Bathurst in 1989 and got a job with Karl Matiszik and ended up buying his business [Tablelands Builders],” Mr Barlow said.

“He retired and his vision with his wife Eva was to develop the site but Eva said they should run it as a business first. That business ran for 23 years until last year.

“It’s spooky that I am now following in Karl’s footsteps.”

Mr Barlow said the redevelopment had been planned with older buyers in mind.

“The vision for this site is to produce excellent quality housing with the retiree market or downsizers in mind who are looking for a really good house just two blocks from the post office,” he said.

“The other motivation is to preserve as much as we can of the older buildings and give them a new life.”

A report to councillors by acting environmental, planning and building services director Janet Bingham said the original 1858 home had undergone many changes through the years and Mr Barlow’s proposal would enhance the property’s heritage significance.

“The proposed partial demolition and additions to the existing building on site is considered to have a positive effect of the heritage significance of the building,” the report states.

“The proposal involves the removal of the unsympathetic additions to the building and reinstating the building to a similar foot print and appearance as it was when it was constructed in 1858.”

Ms Bingham said the redevelopment would have a positive impact on the Howick and Peel streetscapes as it would maintain and reinstate existing buildings on-site.

Arndilly House was built in 1858 and was used as a home until 1947 when it was converted into a gentlemen’s club.

Additions, including billiards room and offices, came in 1987 and in 1993 the Matisziks installed a commercial kitchen and converted the squash courts and other outbuilding into short-term rental accommodation.

Neighbours were notified of plans for the redevelopment and council received no submissions on the DA.