The old Alexandra Courthouse and Speargrass Flat Hotel at Fruitlands are being re-opened as cafe and restaurant facilities, incorporating Central Otago's history, food, and modern art scene.
Although the courthouse had been used as a cafe for many years, it was closed in August.
It re-opened this week.
Rebecca and Barry Farrell, of Earnscleugh, bought the cafe business and lease for the courthouse building, which is maintained by the Department of Conservation.
The husband and wife team own and operate The Packing Shed Gallery and Cafe at Earnscleugh, and wanted to complement their existing seasonal business with a facility in town.
Built in 1878 and opened as Alexandra's first court in 1879, the courthouse is a Doc reserve and category two historic building with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT).
It was established for the 1800s gold-mining in Central Otago, and used to register companies as well as settle disputes among rival gold merchants.
Mrs Farrell's strong family history of gold-mining attracted the couple to the property.
Her father, Lex McLean, was brought up in the Nevis by his gold-mining family, and they were the last professional miners to leave the valley.
The Packing Shed business, which is in its seventh year, incorporates the family's strong ties to gold-mining.
The same is planned for the new cafe.
"It is such an iconic building in town, and as we come from quite a strong gold-mining family, it suited us as well as what we've set up at the Packing Shed," Mrs Farrell said.
Local art will be displayed on the walls of the cafe, which will be open during weekdays, Friday and Saturday nights, and for functions.
Gorge Creek residents Jackie van der Voort and James Russell are planning to open a similar facility in the former Speargrass Flat Hotel on State Highway 8 at Fruitlands.
They recently bought the building.
It had been used as a private residence for the past few years.
Ms van der Voort said their main focus would be on lunch and evening dining, as well as functions.
Accommodation is available on site, local artists' work will be displayed, and a Sunday farmers market may be established onsite in summer months.
The estate was built as a hotel in the 1860s, and most recently renovated in the 1980s.
