Southern belle the Hurley Hotel Group is investing a whopping $100 million into upgrades of its award-winning portfolio of South Aussie hotels.
The family-owned business has been operating in South Australia for over 40 years, currently holding in the stable the iconic Arkaba Hotel, the Alma Tavern, Ivory Tavern & Marina, Kensington Hotel, Marion Hotel, Port Lincoln Hotel, Pretoria Hotel, Hotel Royal in Torrensville, Tonsley Hotel, and the Torrens Arms Hotel.
Established in 1966, Peter and Jenny Hurley bought the Arkaba Hotel in 1991. First stage of its overhaul, slated for completion in late August, brings upgrading of the Lounge Bar, Top of the Ark, bistro and main kitchen, and all private function rooms.
Food and beverage are being served temporarily through Sporty’s Bar + Arena, which will soon become stage two, to transform into a modern sports bar with new undercover outdoor seating and big screens.
“We are excited to see the iconic Ark undergo its biggest renovation in 23 years, to bring new life to the venue while working closely to maintain the architectural integrity of the magnificent building that it is,” says Jenny Hurley.
A similarly thoughtful approach has been taken in renovations at the Hotel Royal, which have been underway since June last year and include preservation of the pub’s Art-Deco frontage.
Now completed, stage one brought rebranding, including modernised casual dining, an outdoor bar, and a dynamic function space with balcony overlooking Henley Beach Road.
Ranging one of the largest craft beer selections in Adelaide, there are new installations in the Cellars, adding a tasting table for tastings and masterclasses, and a two-level Back Pocket Sports Bar.
Stage two is due to be completed in June, incorporating a new bar to kick start stage three, bringing construction of a balcony to complement a new function space for up to 150 people.
Jenny relays that the additions so far have been “well received” by the Royal community.
Topping the to-do list is one of the Hurley’s most ambitious initiatives, in construction of the five-storey Panorama Hotel on the former TAFE site, announced early 2022.
The large-format greenfield will offer a sports bar and restaurant, rooftop bar, gaming room, several function spaces and bottleshop with tasting room. Above ground level there will be accommodation comprising 77 rooms and 26 one- and two-bedroom serviced apartments.
“As one of our biggest projects to date, we are thrilled to play a role in building a new community area and look forward to bringing our spirit of community, hospitality, and fun to Panorama,” Jenny concluded.
The Hurley Group supports a line-up of community groups and events, sporting clubs, charities, and the arts community, via an established and growing program of community and philanthropic partnerships.
The capital works program is set to generate over 310 job opportunities during construction, and the venues over 340 permanent jobs in hospitality.
