Hotel Metropole, West Ipswich

The Hotel Metropole stands at the intersection of Brisbane and Waghorn Streets, displaying a two-story brick structure with a symmetrical facade and decorative gables. Inside, the building retains cedar staircases, pressed metal ceilings, marble fireplaces, and original features alongside modern plumbing and electrical systems.

The building was constructed in 1906 on the site of The Harp of Erin public house, designed by architect George Brockwell Gill. This new structure replaced an earlier establishment and marked the area's development as a modern hotel destination.

The building has served as a social hub for Ipswich residents with multiple bars, dining areas, and a billiard room that shaped daily community life. These spaces remain visible in the structure and reflect how people gathered here over time.

The building sits at a recognizable corner location in West Ipswich town center and is easily reached on foot. Access to view the interior and its spaces is available during standard operating hours.

The structure survived multiple fires over its lifetime, with water damage from firefighting often exceeding the damage from the fires themselves. This resilience speaks to the solid construction of the original building.