About 40 tradespeople, bound by a collective goal of revitalising the former eyesore, have been busy at work over the past few weeks.

“We’ve gutted the whole thing,” said developer Darren Fraser while weaving between step ladders and dangling electric cables.

About 30,000 bricks and eight tonnes of steel have crossed paths during the renovation, with a number of internal walls throughout the building demolished.

Space and light are the first things that strike you as you walk in the main doors on Lydiard Street North. 

The remodelled ground floor will hold a restaurant and two bars, one of which backs onto a function room. 

Downstairs, the once-grubby basement is set to be transformed into a plush lounge bar. 

Newly installed windows provide natural light downstairs to make the basement less cellar-dweller and more metro chic. 

Mr Fraser’s aim is to create a venue that bridges the demographic divide.

Middle-aged people can enjoy a night out in the downstairs areas, while upstairs function rooms and casual walk-in bars could cater for a younger crowd.

The accommodation could well prove the jewel in the Provincial’s crown.

Fifteen generously sized rooms, some of which are self-contained, will provide respite for weary travellers or tipsy locals.

Scaffolding was removed from outside the building last week, revealing a concrete grey paint job which Mr Fraser decided upon with consultation from Heritage Victoria.

The grand unveiling is still on track for April, by which time Mr Fraser and his troops will be due for a beer.

william.vallely@fairfaxmedia.com.au