Cairns’ popular Cock & Bull Tavern is looking to move house, into a shopping complex, as the state government pushes its $1 billion expansion of the city’s primary hospital.
The Queensland government is executing a multi-stage upgrade of Cairns Hospital that requires space on Grove Street, meaning the Tavern is being compulsorily acquired and must move or perish.
Hotelier Graham Johnston has owned the pub since 1988. He has fought past attempts by the state government to acquire it but has now succumb to the inevitable.
Last week JAPT P/L, listing directors Graham, Stephanie and Alexander Johnston, tendered planning documents to Cairns Regional Council stating the business was forced to relocate “to ensure that it can continue to trade”.
In March the company paid $12 million for the 7,128sqm Cairns Civic Shopping Centre at 113–117 Sheridan Street, roughly five blocks away, a kilometre south of the Cock & Bull’s current location.
On the site is a structure that used to contain an outlet of the Reject Shop, and a strip fronting Florence Street occupied by several mixed businesses including a Thai restaurant, Dominos Pizza and a dance store.
The Johnsons want to create a new venue that will be a welcome addition to the new location.
“The Cock & Bull does seek to use this move as a chance to refocus the operations of the business to that which offers a family friendly dining environment, as well as inviting sports bar and gaming style activities for a range of patrons,” says the application.
The plans propose a pub catering for up to 400 patrons, with a sports bar, gaming room and dining facilities. Artist impressions show a timber entryway from McLeod Street leading into ornate tiling and vertical gardens. Large windows on Florence Street are intended to engage with the streetscape.
There are 103 parking spaces on the property, but the DA suggests the tavern’s parking requirements will be minimal and much of its business will be outside regular retail hours. No road upgrades will be required for access.
“Trade of the Cock & Bull is heavily dominated by tourists, with a substantial proportion of these visitors staying within the Cairns City area,” furthered the DA.
The Johnstons do not want to comment on the project at this stage.
Cairns Regional Council will assess and determine the fate of the application in the coming months.
