And once finished the Albury pub will look unrecognisable with every space, including the front facade, completely refurbished.

Demolition of the first stage of the hotel, the front bar and gaming area, which wraps around the corner of Young and Guinea streets has already begun.

Everything except the four walls and roof has been removed, making way for a brand new gaming area and bistro area.

Publican Josh Cale said the upgrades "have been a long time coming".

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"As much as we would love to be open as normal, this whole shutdown has almost been the perfect time to start the renovations," he said.

"The first stage is the front bar which will more of a traditional bar so we are really exciting about that.

"We think the front facade will really bring more people into the pub and attract a completely different crowd which is great.

"We are on one of the main intersections in Albury and we really want to stand out.

"It is a really mid-century modern feel that will really lighten this place up."

Builder Matthew Bonnici, from Fugen Constructions, said the first stage was a 13-week build.

"Once that is completed we will hand it over to Josh and the team and we will start on stage two, which is the current bistro and beer garden area," he said.

"The second stage will be 20 weeks and will have really top-end finishes.

"The timber roofing we have coming through is really modern.

"This is going to be really great for Albury and also create plenty of work for the pub and bring in plenty of new clientele."

Mr Cale said patrons would be able to enjoy the new beer garden "12 months of the year" once completed.

"There will be a new roof structure over the beer garden so you will feel comfortable in the area in summer and winter," he said.

"I think this will blow people away with the finish of it.

"We are hoping to be done by Christmas so we are really keen to see it all transform and get the hotel back running at full capacity soon."

The Astor has opened its bistro area for meals for 10 patrons at a time.

"It was nice to see some patrons back in the pub and get some life back in the hotel, albeit under these different circumstances," Mr Cale said.