Restoration makes lyrical masterpiece

A refurbishment has revealed the original Victorian facade of an iconic Bunbury building, with owners hoping it provides an insight into the CBD’s history.

The former Lyric Theatre’s exterior revitalisation, funded by the State Government’s Heritage Grants Program, has exposed the 112-year-old building’s original brickwork.

Co-owner Mike Honeybell said he was impressed with the redevelopment, following the $100,000 grant which was committed to the restoration.

Mr Honeybell said he hoped it would prompt other CBD building owners to also return buildings to their original state.

“We just wanted to get it back to the way it was. It really is an iconic building,” Mr Honeybell said.

“Now we’ve done this, hopefully it will inspire a few others to do the same.”

The building, on the corner of Victoria and Symmons streets, was purchased by Mr Honeybell and fellow co-owner Stewart Binnie last year.

It houses various speciality stores and creative group, Maker & Co.

Restoration work on the bottom floor is nearing completion, with Mr Honeybell expecting it to be finished within “two to three weeks”.