Sydney’s time-capsule Terminus Hotel is preparing to reopen, after 30 years of slumber.
The Federation style pub on Harris Street, Pyrmont ceased trading in 1986 when the enigmatic Isaac and Susan Wakil purchased and promptly closed it. It has remained dormant since.
In 2015 it was quietly sold to developer Auswin TWT, which purchased the site in order to build luxury terraces in its large carpark, and listed the pub itself for sale in March this year.
The unknown buyer paid around $5 million for the property, and has engaged Chris Cornforth and Fraser Haughton of Harvest Hospitality to redevelop and operate the pub.
Speaking to PubTIC, Cornforth says the project is exciting but challenging.
“There are a lot of heritage factors to consider,” he explained. “The DA is quite intense, trying to incorporate existing features in a way that does them justice, while introducing a new fitout that works within that.”
Cornforth and Haughton formed Harvest Hospitality in late 2013, and currently operate the Pig and Tinder Box pub in Tamworth, and Percy’s Bar in Orange.
The Terminus will see them relocate back home to Sydney to continue the overhaul renovation, being designed by hospitality specialist Luchetti Krelle, which were behind the Woollahra and Tilbury Hotel makeovers.
The two-storey pub, built in the early 1900s, includes 12 rooms and facilities on the upper level and occupies a 493m² lot with GFA of 543m². It took the name of the Terminus Hotel in 1911, in reference to the tram terminus on nearby Jones Street.
Little is being revealed yet about the final offering, but Cornforth says they have met some amazing producers through their ‘eat local’ events in Tamworth, such as boutique butcheries and wines, and he plans to bring some country back to the city.
“We’ve made some really good friends at our venues – genuine people doing great things. Things that may only be simple, but really count in the end product.
“We want to bring a bit of those people to Sydney; their product should be displayed in Sydney. Showed off. That’s one thing we will bring to the Terminus.”
While the complex renovation is still far from completion, Cornforth says they would like to be trading for next summer.
Meanwhile, Harvest Hospitality reportedly have another upcoming pub project in Tamworth. Details in due course.
