The landmark, recently closed Stock Exchange Hotel in Brisbane is languishing in uncertainty as its new owners – the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane – ponder what to do with their heritage pub.
Built 1863, the Exchange is one of the oldest pubs in the city and was deemed worthy of heritage listing in 2009 by Brisbane City Council.
In 2017, operators Riversdale, backed by Australian Pub Fund, successfully applied to demolish parts of the pub that had been added to the original structure. The proposal detailed that all surviving early elements would be retained, plus an extension from the 1880s.
Mid-2019 Brisbane’s Catholic Archdiocese purchased The Stocky for $29.5 million, with Riversdale continuing as operators.
But late 2020 the group abruptly exited, announcing the hotel would close immediately.
The Archdiocese already owned the properties on either side of the Hotel – the Archives Building, and Penola Place on Edward Street – and submitted written objection to Riversdale’s original demolition application, suggesting it would negatively impact their assets.
But following purchase of the property, the Church applied to Brisbane City Council for a further three-year extension on the approved demolition. Council granted them one year.
This month the Archdiocese has applied again for a further extension, to 2023, citing the economic impact of the pandemic. Council has not yet responded with a determination.
In a statement, the Church cited no immediate plans following the “unexpected end of the previous lease” other than that a new lessee would be welcomed into the venue.
“COVID-19 has thrown up many surprises, including in the CBD, which has been impacted by the shift to remote work for many people,” read the statement.
