Port Melbourne: Fire-damaged Hibernian Hotel seeks new publican
A historic pub with a “rough” history is for sale after it was damaged by a fire in 2010.
A “traditional wharfie pub with a rough reputation” has hit the market in Port Melbourne, 13 years after a destructive fire forced it to shut its doors.
The 155-year-old site of the former Hibernian Hotel has remained damaged and unoccupied since 2010, when an internal fire destroyed parts of the top floor, resulting in about $200,000 worth of damage.
At the time, Chinese restaurant Mandarin Garden operated out of the 358 Graham St pub, offering both dine-in and takeaway cuisine.
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According to historical documents obtained by the Herald Sun, the fire was caused by a chef, who left a burning wok on the stove while nicking across the street for a punt at the opposing Clare Castle pub’s TAB.
The owners have listed the Hibernian with a $2.35m-$2.55m price tag, which includes the 314sq m property and pub comprising 11 bedrooms, a front bar, lounge room, commercial kitchen, courtyard and two cellars.
The pub has not operated since 2010.
It’s located on the corner of Graham and Ross Streets.
There’s also a planning permit in place for the development of 21 accommodation rooms with ensuites and a public bar over three levels.
Frank Gordon Port Melbourne managing director Frank Callaghan said the property was likely to attract a broad buyer pool, including those wanting to restore the pub to its former glory.
“It’s a really good opportunity for someone to create a new future for the property, whether they trade as a hotel or bed and breakfast, or even as a large home or offices,” Mr Callaghan said.
“It could even be a social housing organisation … it has a permit for a number of possibilities.”
The pub was first built in 1868 on the corner of the newly-constructed Ross and Graham Streets.
There is potential for a new buyer to return it so its former glory.
But the 2010 fire was not the venue’s first, with historical documents showing the building was destroyed by a serious fire just three years after it was established.
In 1888 it was completely rebuilt and became a regular watering hole for wharfies, who also frequented the Clare Castle.
PropTrack data shows the pub last sold in 2007 for $1.1m.
Expressions of interest close at 3pm on August 1.
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emily.holgate@news.com.au
