The highly historic Hope and Anchor Hotel is back in local hands and set to be “rescued” by alderman and hero of Hobart, John Kelly.
Built in 1807, the Hope and Anchor on the Hobart foreshore is thought to be the oldest continuously licensed pub in Australia. It has enjoyed time known as Hotel Alexander, The Whale, and conveniently, Kellys Tavern.
Kelly is a local identity, nearly elected as Lord Mayor last year, and acclaimed medic to a number of the city’s old buildings.
He paid $4.6 million for the Hope, previously owned by Chinese interests, and takes the keys at the start of February.
He also bought a vacant block of land adjacent to the pub, citing plans to construct a contemporary building that reflects the Hotel’s history. The historic nature of the area means an archaeological excavation must be done at the vacant land before any new construction work can begin.
Kelly brings prior success in revitalising tired heritage buildings in the city, such as at the State Cinema (built 1913), the Soundy Building (built 1878) and the Crescent Hotel (built 1860).
He says the Hope is his next and “possibly last” Hobart heritage rescue project, and he will oversee works himself.
“It needs a lot of love and money to restore it,” Kelly told the Mercury.
I’m from Adelaide, but as I read this story I’m sitting in the Hope and Anchor enjoying a nice cold pint of local brew. Good luck to h the you John Kelly!
I was saddened when it went to offshore buyers but this is wonderful news knowing it’s now in safe and careful hands. Good on you Sir John Kelly!