Melbourne’s Great Britain Hotel, located on Church St in Richmond, has long played home to many members of the city’s local live music scene, but the announcement that the venue’s current owners will not be renewing their lease has cast a shadow of uncertainty on the beloved venue’s future.
As theMusic.com.au reports, current owners Chris and Penny Hodges, who’ve held the lease on the Richmond establishment for 18 years, have confirmed that they will relinquish ownership in June following renewal talks that fell through. In a statement, Mr Hodges said that the new owners would redevelop the venue but that he was unsure of what their ultimate plans are for the Great Britain.
“While it appears that the new owners are some way from commencing their redevelopment we are unsure what the immediate future holds for the pub once we have moved on,” he wrote. “Our thanks and gratitude go to everyone who has helped us make the GB one of this city’s classic old pubs.”
“We offer our sincere thanks to all the customers and staff who have given us their unqualified love and support over the years,” he added, “and who have helped us create a social environment which reverberates far beyond the walls of our cosy old boozer.” Staff have offered no further comment.
It’s unclear at this time what new ownership of the venue, which regularly hosts open mic nights and shows by up-and-coming local acts, will mean for its status as a live music venue. Yesterday it was reported that the state government has pledged to ease the strain currently placed on the industry.
