Owners of the Bank Street building, who declined to comment, were issued a permit to demolish the wooden structure in February after authorities deemed it unsafe.

Former owner Damien Gleeson said the building was condemned in May 2017 after crossbeams collapsed, raising urgent safety concerns.

Mr Gleeson said the verandah was an extension to the original 1857 building, added in the 1920s.

The hotel was a staging post for coaching companies for many years with some Port Fairy residents concerned demolishing the Edwardian style verandah would remove the layers of history.

A Port Fairy Historical Society representative said the Royal Oak was originally named The Commercial Travellers Association (CTA) and was the preferred accommodation for sales representatives travelling for work.

“The hotel probably gave favourable rates to members.”

As time wore on the hotel name was shortened, becoming affectionately known as ‘The Commercial’.

The removal of the 100-year-old verandah was the result of a vote by Moyne Shire councillors in February.

Plans for the building are expected to be released to the public before Christmas.