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.
RELATED: Iconic Collingwood music venue saved by $3m crowd-funding campaign
Chris Hemsworth, Harry Kewell spotted looking for potential pads in Port Melbourne
Lune Croissanterie: cult-status bakery gets new landlord after flagship Fitzroy warehouse sells
According to historical documents obtained by the Herald Sun, the fire was caused by a chef, who left a burning wok on the stove while nicking across the street for a punt at the opposing Clare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.
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.
But the 2010 fire was not the venue’s first, with historical documents showing the building was destroyed by a serious fire just three years after it was established.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.
Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox.
MORE: Phillip Island: Rustic mud brick home has wall reclaimed from Smiths Beach shipwreck
Hawthorn: Mansion with private Yarra River pontoon sails onto Hawthorn’s most expensive list
Brighton ‘deep end’ turns over $60m in a month, including $24.5m for former Zagame home
emily.holgate@news.com.au
Originally published as Port Melbourne: Fire-damaged Hibernian Hotel seeks new publican
Read related topics:MelbournencG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7HWrGWcp51jrrZ7zZqroqeelrlwwsicq6iqmZZ8sbvRrWSmnZyXvLa%2BzZ5kn6GimrGiucCgnJ1lmJ6vpr7NopinZZikwaa4jKycnqOjYrumw4yprJukmZiur3vNnq6sZaOpvLPFjp6ZnWqTmLGmgZibaWlvZWyypbCUmphycZJsg6aFlXJo