By Triana O'Keefe, editor Australian Hotelier
Australia’s largest family-owned venue management, hospitality and leisure company has picked up one of Melbourne’s most famed corner pubs opposite Parliament House and the Hotel Windsor.
The O’Brien Group has purchased the Imperial Hotel on Bourke Street for $11.45 million at auction against active developers and overseas investors.
O’Brien Group Australia has confirmed it will retain the site’s existing use as an operating hotel, with no long-term plans to redevelop or on-sell the site.
The group’s director, Michael Xavier O’Brien, said he was drawn to the hotel due to its premium location at the ‘top end of town’, and its heritage appeal.
“The Imperial Hotel celebrates the essence of Melbourne, without being cemented in tradition; it is a living reference to Melbourne’s glory days. There are few other hotels in the Melbourne CBD with such a rich history and story to tell.”
Established in 1863, the venue is the third oldest pub in Melbourne and is operated on a long-term lease by the renowned Open Door Pub Company, the group behind the recently revitalised Duke of Wellington in Russell Street and College Lawn Hotel in Prahran.
Celebrating its 25th year, the O’Brien Group is an integrated company with multiple contracts including venue and facilities management, food and beverage operations, leisure resorts, licensed clubs, hotels, restaurants and ticketing.
The O’Brien Group holds the full catering rights to many of Australasia’s largest stadiums and entertainment venues, including The Gabba, AAMI Park Melbourne, Eden Park New Zealand, Metricon Stadium, Brisbane International Tennis, and Adelaide Showgrounds. The Group’s emerging Hotel and Club portfolio includes the Prince Alfred Hotel, Richmond; Imperial Hotel, Melbourne; Club Laverton: and the Buffalo Bar, Brisbane. The expanding hospitality and leisure portfolio includes the Icehouse, Melbourne Docklands; and Cumberland Lorne.
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