New roof lined up for Oliver’s Restaurant

Final preparations are being completed to replace the roof of Oliver’s in Clyde as owners David and Andrea Ritchie prepare to reopen a restaurant in the historic building.

The restorations were expected to begin in the next two months after the New Zealand Historic Places Trust gave $35,000 in funding for the upgrade six months ago.

Mr Ritchie said the couple had been working with the trust and a conservation architect on the plans to strengthen and repair the former Naylor’s General Store roof on the property.

Once the upgrade was completed work could begin on preparing to reopening the restaurant, Mr Ritchie said.

Olivers was established in 1869 by merchant Benjamin Naylor, who opened a store catering for many miners in the area during Central Otago’s gold rush.

Since then it had been used as a vet clinic, restaurant and for accom- modation. It was recognised as one of Otago’s most significant heritage buildings and has a category one classification by the NZHPT.

Mr and Mrs Ritchie bought Olivers two years ago with the dream of being involved in a project with a historic element.

Since then they had installed 11 bathrooms and opened the homestead for accommodation, mainly servicing people in the area completing the Otago Central Rail Trail.

The couple enjoyed ‘‘working with the bones of something old’’ to recreate and preserve the building and were planning to open a wine bar beside the restaurant to showcase locally produced wines, Mr Ritchie said.

NZHPT Otago Southland area manager Owen Graham said the trust was thrilled to be working with the Ritchies.

‘‘They have shown a wonderful commitment to ensure the restoration and improvements at Oliver’s were done to a high standard,’’ Mr Graham said.