The Royal Hotel in Clifton Hill has been saved from being demolished and turned into apartments by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), on the basis it would not result in a net community benefit.

Plans to demolish the pub were submitted in 2017 by the owners, with the aim of building a five-storey apartment complex on the block, but was met with angry nearby residents and up to 270 objections.

Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Councillor Nicholas Reece, believes it’s a win for the campaign to save Melbourne’s heritage pubs, as they are what make Melbourne “special and distinctive” from other cities.

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