This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
PUB baron Justin Hemmes’ Merivale will make its Melbourne debut after acquiring a laneway building for more than $40 million.
It will open at the seven-storey Tomasetti House, at 277 Flinders Lane. The venue will also be Merivale’s first outside New South Wales, and just the second outside Sydney.
“Melbourne is a very special city, with a unique energy and an inimitable soul. Its local hospitality industry is one of the best in the world; brimming with creative culinary talent and supported by a passionate community of diners,” Hemmes said.
“We are honoured to open our first venue in Melbourne, and cannot wait to work alongside so many local industry greats,” he added.
Built in 1853, Tomasetti House began life as a five level warehouse and was updated in 1905. It is now a mixed-use building with Zomp Shoes occupying the ground floor retail and office space above. The vendor was the Millett family, who bought the property for $16.2 million seven years ago and run The Mill House bar in its basement level.
Merivale will receive keys to the building later this year and announce further details in due course.
It has also just bought the Sydney CBD strata basement space in the Burns Philp & Co building, as well as the The Quarterdeck on the NSW South Coast – the group’s first venue outside of Sydney – and late last year splashed out $32 million for inner Sydney’s Duke of Gloucester “DOG” Hotel.
“Melbourne’s CBD has suffered terribly from the hardships of the past year. We are committed to doing everything we can to help reinvigorate the city and support it in its road to recovery,” Hemmes said.
“I have spent years travelling and being inspired by places from all corners of the globe, but the last 12 months has certainly reinforced that there is simply no place like home.
“I am energised by Australia’s collective appreciation for our own backyard and am extremely passionate about continuing to invest in an industry that defines so much of our vibrant culture”.
