Waugh Hotels gets nod to move licence

By Clyde Mooney

After a five-year battle, the people behind Sydney's well-loved Henson Park Hotel have won the right to close the hotel and open a new one in a more viable location.

Operated by Waugh Hotel Consultancy (WHC) for owners Yattawich P/L, the historic Marrickville pub has struggled as times have changed.

Located on the fringe of the area's former industrial area, it no longer attracts schooner-pumping factory workers for several sessions a day, or rough-and-tumble footballers like Tommy Raudonikis from its long-time affiliate, the Newtown Jets.

Management mourn the need to close the old establishment, with a spokesperson telling TheShout that it was a sad necessity.

"We appreciate the sentiment of the local community that they have lost a watering hole, however the industry has evolved and the business model of the Henson Park Hotel was unsustainable.

"It was a successful 'boozer' in yesteryear, but that trade doesn't exist anymore.

"We don't want to rub it in the faces of the locals, but their patronage and support were not enough to sustain the business in its current location."

WHC was denied its original application to Marrickville Council in 2007, and this was upheld on appeal to the Land & Environment Court in 200. A new DA was again turned down by Marrickville Council in 2010, but that decision was overturned on appeal by the Land & Environment Court in 2011.

The OLGR approved the transfer of the licence from the Henson Park to the new venue, the Marrickville Ritz, last Friday.

Situated at 252 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville, the Ritz is expected to be opened in June, and it set to be a family-oriented gastro pub with a strong focus on dining, cocktails and craft beer.