Craig Shearer’s Kickon Group has taken another new prize in the Grand Dame of Cleveland, bringing plans for a multi-million-dollar renovation, and a familiar face partner.
Built 1851, the Grand View Hotel began life as Cleveland House, before being renamed the Grand View in 1910. It is popularly known as the ‘Grand Dame’ to friends and family.
Spanning two titles totalling 6,596sqm, it offers locals and travellers a public bar, TAB, gaming room with 35 entitlements, outdoor bar and expansive beer garden, garden restaurant, lounge bar, function rooms and drive-through bottleshop.
In its 171-year history, it has never ceased trading, laying claim to being the state’s oldest continually licensed pub, and has long held a reputation prompting all manner of travellers eager to experience its many offerings.
Attractions today include sell-out live music events, an art gallery featuring local artists, and an expansive, festoon-lit outdoor area, complementing views over Moreton Bay.
Gerald and Karen Brock owned and operated the Hotel, with their son Ben, since they bought it in 1992. Early 2019 they sold the freehold going concern to interests behind Rydges Hotels & Resorts (RH&R).
Maintaining their post-covid expansion, Kickon adds to its already impressive portfolio, already including The Continental Sorrento, The Plough Inn & The Collective, with the operation of the Grand Dame marking the seventh venue for the Victorian-based group, and its fifth in the Sunshine State.
“It’s a long-term lease and investment for us,” says Shearer, Kickon founder and director.
Having seen an array of extensions and renovations over its extensive history, the heritage-listed pub stands to benefit from the significant facelift being planned by its new owners.
“We’ve partnered with award-winning architects BSPN to create plans that will breathe life back into this amazing landmark,” furthers Shearer.
“We’re looking to celebrate the importance of the history of the venue while taking advantage of the magical outdoor space and ocean views. It’s going to be really special.”
Richard Harrison, partner with the group in its acquisition of the Osbourne Hotel in Fortitude Valley in late 2021, is a partner again at the Grand View.
The group attributes much of its success, particularly during expansion, to investing in its people and placing the right people in the right places.
Group CEO Duncan Thomson says the Grand Dame demonstrates the group’s commitment to its growth, as ideal for their model.
“When the opportunity to consider the Grand View came our way, we immediately knew it was going to be a great fit.
“Renovation plans had already been in the works under the previous ownership, so the groundwork was laid for us to be able to execute our vision relatively quickly.
“We’re aiming to have works completed in 2023.”
