Two hard-working families have put up the for sale sign at their historic Commonwealth Hotel in Townsville, providing plenty of blue sky in the Sunshine State.
Townsville’s Commonwealth is a classic colonial-style two-storey local built to coincide with Australia’s federation, in 1901.
Set on a generous 2,024sqm freehold title, the large-format hotel enjoys 1,306sqm of trading space, providing a large, casual front bar, commercial kitchen and bistro with alfresco dining space, café, and a large beer garden with setting for live entertainment.
Constructed to “provide hot meals, cold beer and a comfortable bed” for the good people of Townsville, it also counts 16 accommodation rooms, but they are not currently being used.
The balanced business reports north of $4 million in annual revenue.
Vendors on the sale are Sheldon and Louise Moncrieff, with Sigmund Gruss and Casie Phillips, who fulfilled their dream of owning a pub when they took over operations in 2019.
After investing and consolidating, in 2022 they cemented their position by purchasing the freehold.
The first-timers worked what they saw as “a real gap in the market” for a community venue offering space for families and big groups, and open for breakfast and lunch.
Six years on there remains plenty of opportunity for further growth – most clearly being to resume trade on Mondays and Tuesdays, when the current owners take a break to spend time with family.
As the largest settlement in northern Queensland, with population exceeding 200k residents, Townsville is a hub for assorted government, community and business offices for the top half of the state.
The city has an ongoing strong demand for accommodation, which could provide a significant boost to the pub’s repertoire. Already enjoying a solid clientele base, it may also be well suited to the introduction of gaming.
Both couples have young families in need of their presence and after six years living the dream they have decided to sell, “to concentrate on family life”.
A sale campaign through Move Real Estate’s Cain Scheiwe is by Private Treaty, looking for offers over $4 million.
“This venue is highly sought after in the Townsville community, with Friday and Saturday nights quite often fully booked,” says Scheiwe.
“It is the go-to location for Cowboys players and families. An Iconic destination, with a long history and amazing atmosphere.”
