A BUILDING which most recently sold jocks and socks in Albury has been stunningly transformed into luxury accommodation and day spa facilities.
More than $500,000 has been spent on the refurbishment by the couple behind the Circa properties, Kevin and Ririn Yaxley, who will initially operate the business before appointing managers who will occupy one of three accommodation suites on level one with day spa treatment rooms, art gallery and retail area located at ground level.
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It was most recently occupied by a Bonds outlet before relocating to West End Plaza in 2017.
"Taking an old building and bringing it up to today's standards is the really tricky one," Mr Yaxley said.
"It costs a lot of money because it is a change of purpose.
"We could take an old pub or an old motel and there is no change of purpose so you can do a quick fix on it.
"But not the way we do it with an old building."
Circa 1928 will employ five full-time staff and the same number of casuals as it targets the high-end tourist market from the capital cities.
The NSW Government provided $150,000 to the project with tourism minister Stuart Ayres on hand for the official opening yesterday ahead of the first accommodation guests rolling in at the weekend.
"One of the great things about this is it really diversifies the product offering in Albury and is obviously pitched at a slightly higher end of the market," he said.
"For business travellers, weekend trippers, couples, this is ideally set-up for that.
"This facility will really be leveraging off a fantastic suite of events that happens right throughout Albury."
Member for Albury Justin Clancy said Circa 1928 would complement the arts and culture attractions and fine dining offerings which existed in the city.
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