Marty Short and Welcome Hospitality have invested in Newcastle landmark the Albion Hotel, in Wickham, looking to capitalise on growth and opportunities in town.
The Albion was established in 1870, with the current building constructed by Tooths in 1922. It occupies a generous corner plot near the Wickham transport hub and the harbour, across from the newly appointed Honeysuckle Precinct redevelopment.
A recent renovation, taking 12 months, aimed to stay in character with the era of construction while highlighting its potential in hospitality, providing a spacious public bar, bistro, functions area, large outdoor beer garden and seven well-appointed pub style accommodation rooms.
Claiming a long and colourful history as a Newcastle destination, it is open for lunch and dinner every day and hosts regular weeknight entertainment events.
The pub was previously operated by Brian “Macca” McDermott and his wife Sally, with the freehold held by a local Newcastle syndicate formed by Michael Turnbull and Justin O’Brien.
Taking over operations they expanded the gaming machine count and over the past few years acquired the commercial properties surrounding the Hotel, to amass roughly 1,900sqm.
Welcome Hospitality is two investor directors and Marty Short, who recently left the family business to join the growing outfit.
Welcome is the vehicle that runs their pubs, now amounting to five after taking possession of the Albion last month.
The group has begun a refurbishment on the bar and public areas, in a “refresh” to lift its family-friendly credentials and help patrons feel even more ‘welcome’.
But in time they hope to expand the business into the adjacent workshop, subject to council approval.
“It’s a pretty exciting space … quite unique, and the pub itself is great,” explains Short.
As NSW’s second capital, Newcastle is providing notable value, particularly in housing, education and work opportunities.
And beyond the community growth, the hotel stands to benefit from the big new Honeysuckle development across the road, as well as a new super yacht mariner slated to be built behind it, drawing marine activity at its front door.
“We love the idea of being in Newcastle and evolving the Albion,” Short continues.
“it’s a really nice neighbourhood, with lots of service industries and new developments.”
The sale is said to be the highest price to date paid for a hotel in Newcastle West and was brokered by Deane Moore of Moore & Moore Real Estate.
“It’s great to see hoteliers coming into Newcastle from Sydney to generate new thoughts and ideas into the market,” offers Moore.
