Mossman’s famous Royal Hotel is to have a reprieve from the demolition hammers.


The building has been identified by the National Trust of Queensland and the Douglas Historical Society as a building of cultural significance for the area.


In a bid to save the hotel which is situated beside the heritage listed Jensen House on Front Street, Cairns Regional Council directed the CEO not to issue a decision on an application to demolish the building.


Mayor Val Schier said Council will amend the Heritage Schedule contained in the Douglas Planning Scheme to include the Royal Hotel as a site of local significance.


“It is commendable that the Historical Society has worked actively in Douglas with the local community to identify sites of heritage significance and the Royal Hotel is definitely one of them,” Cr Schier said.


“The Royal Hotel was also identified in a heritage survey undertaken by the State across the Far North last year.”


Pam Willis Burden, Secretary of the Douglas Historical Society was pleased that the building could be preserved.


"We wrote to Council to say it would be a disaster if it was demolished. It would have to be the most photographed building in Mossman," she said.


"It was built in the 1930's and for any timber building to last that long up here is incredible."


Division 10 Cr Julia Leu said it is important that Council take a role in protecting local buildings that have historical significance and cultural value to preserve the character of the Mossman streetscape.


“Mossman is unique and visitors are delighted with its historic and rural charm which is fast disappearing in many small Queensland towns,” Cr Leu said.


“There are very few 1930s timber pubs remaining in Australia and the Royal is one of them.”


Discussions will now take place with the owner of the Royal to try to find a way to preserve the heritage value of the original building and look at other options for its use.