Joint owners of the General Gordon Hotel have thanked emergency services and expressed their devastation in regards to the fire that caused extensive damage to the pub.
The Sydney inner west pub caught alight on Monday around 1pm, and due to a large amount of timber and gas cylinders the fire tore through the hotel quickly. Everyone within the hotel was able to get out of the building unharmed, and more than 70 firefighters worked on containing and dousing the fire. The hotel suffered extensive damage, as both the roof and a major external wall on the second floor collapsed.
George Ajaka, managing partner of investments for White & Partners, stated that the whole team was saddened by the fire at General Gordon Hotel but relieved that no one was hurt.
“We are so relieved that due to the quick-thinking actions of the staff on duty, no one was injured.
“Thanks to the firefighters and police who did the best they could under the circumstances.”
White & Partners purchased the hotel in 2017 in partnership with JDA Hotels for $18 million. The hotel was in the middle of a $4 million renovation that was due to be completed by November, before the fire broke out.
“We were so excited by the progress being made on the renovations. The hotel has always been such a popular local establishment and we were in the process of a further upgrade of its facilities in keeping with the area. It’s devastating,” said John Feros of JDA Hotels.
While the damage is significant and authorities now begin the process of determining the cause of the fire, White & Partners and JDA Hotels remain committed to the renovation of the hotel. Their position will be reviewed once the damage and cause of the fire have been assessed thoroughly.