The sale of the historic John Curtin Hotel in Carlton has triggered an uproar, as fear of a developer purchase and its closure have prompted pushback by the public and trade unions desperate to save it.
Built in the 1870s, the Georgian building is famous for having served beers to many a prime minister and state premier.
Embracing a deliberately divey vibe, it is also a landmark live music venue lined with vintage gig posters and an upstairs bandroom that is one of only a handful in Melbourne able to accommodate performances ranging from a local artist’s debut to an international attraction.
It takes its name from wartime Labor prime minister John Curtin, and located opposite the Victorian Trades Hall – the oldest trade union building in the world, and birthplace of the ACTU (Australian Council of Trade Unions) – it thus became a renowned meeting place for members of the Labor party and unions, notably including pub aficionado and former prime minister, the late Bob Hawke.
When Hawke passed away in 2019, Victorian Premier Dan Andrews and then opposition leader Bill Shorten went to The Curtin to reminisce.
But on Monday the pub’s current operators posted on social media that closure was imminent given the building was to be sold. The tenant’s lease is set to expire in November, and following the passing of their landlord, his estate had deemed sale of the asset most appropriate.
Pub manager Ben Russell understood the building would probably be sold to property developers, and posted that “The rumours are true” that The Curtin would close for good.
“It’s with an agonisingly sad heart, that The Curtin hotel’s time on this earth will come to an end. The owners of the almost 150-year-old building have decided to sell, making way, most likely for apartments. Love – Rusty, Imogen, Sonny, Peaches and all of the Curtin family.”
The announcement has prompted dissatisfaction from both live music fans and many associated with the labour movement, leading Victorian Trades Hall secretary Luke Hilakari to Tweet he was discussing a bid for the property with union leaders.
“This place can’t be made into apartments,” Hilakari Tweeted. “It’s a Melb Labour Movement institution.
“We must save it!”
The operators also lamented Victoria’s current public health restrictions, which they suggest had a disproportionate financial effect on smaller, indoor music venues, largely through the mandate that indoor events are still subject to capacity rules when serving alcohol, while events of 30,000 people are permitted without density limits, so long as there is no bar.
Despite any current trading burdens, the economic fact is that owner-operators have been starved for choice in Melbourne in the past decade, and the tightly held nature and lack of available freehold hotels ensures demand stays high.
The property is being marketed by CBRE, with Mathew George fielding hoteliers, alongside Alex Brierley and Nathan Mufale of CBRE Metro Markets.
“Whilst we are anticipating strong interest from property aggregators and developers, we are equally confident of active participation from the hotel sector,” says George.
“A property like the John Curtin, with its pedigree and short-term tenure will attract genuine interest from owner operators looking to utilise and expand on the hotel’s licence.”
The pub is due to be marketed through an Expressions of Interest campaign.
