The classic heritage Porter House building has reopened as a new hotel and restaurant venue.

Originally commissioned in 1876 by Australia’s leading tobacco manufacturer Hugh Dixson, The Porter House started life as Dixson & Sons tobacco factory and warehouse.

In 1891, furniture manufacturer WW Campbell & Co and famous leather merchant George Johnson & Sons leased the building from the Dixson family, further cementing the site with a richness of history.

Located on Castlereagh St, the building will now be the gateway to the city’s sleekest new boutique hotel which opened on Tuesday.

Director of Guest Experience Erin Proud told Deborah Knight the entire shell of the building has still been maintained.

“Every piece of what we could have kept has very lovingly [been taken care of].

“The essence of the building needed to be maintained, we needed to make sure that it had that homey feeling throughout it.”

Afternoons listeners Barbara and Maria called in to share their memories of working at the building.

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview