A Brief History:

Original Name: Spriggens Hotel. 

Builder: A G Bignell Promoter: Mr. George Spriggens Architect: Mr. T H Battle

Built: Started on 21st October 1926 and Opened 21st September 1927 Cost: 40,000 Pounds Original: 56 rooms, 8 bathrooms, 8 shower rooms with a large lounge on each floor, 35 feet by 56 feet Construction: Reinforced concrete and brick.

From the Wanganui Chronicle

Oct 12 1926

A start has been made this week with the preparations for the erection of the new hotel on the corner of Guyton & St Hill Streets. The contractor for the building, which is to be a three storey structure, is Mr. A.G. Bigall, and the work will be completed by September of next year in time to take up the license of the Chavannes Hotel which is to be demolished when the license expires.

Nov 17 1926

The corner of Guyton & St Hill Street at present bears a busy appearance. The excavations for the foundations of the new hotel to be built on the corner are now down to a considerable depth and the house on the adjacent section has been shifted back 40 feet to allow the construction operations to cover the full extend of the building lo.t

March 17 1927

Good progress is being made with the erection of Spriggens Hotel at the corner of Guyton & St Hill Streets. The brick walls of the structure are now up to the first floor.

Current owner

The Grand Hotel is proudly owned and operated by Mr Neville Gorrie.