Beresford owner says legal tussle will not delay opening

BY MICK ROBERTS

The opening of a rejuvenated Beresford Hotel in Surry Hills is running behind schedule, not because of legal action, but due to wet weather, a pub spokesman says.
The Beresford spokesman told The City News: “We want to get it [the pub] right, and any legal action has nothing to do with the opening date of the hotel,’ he said.
‘We believe we have an environmentally-friendly building that will have minimal noise impact on residents.’
 

The Beresford Hotel spokesman told The City News wet weather had put the completion of the pub behind schedule, although, he said, no official opening date had been announced.
The City News understands residents of nearby apartment blocks, including the recently redeveloped St Margaret’s “Alba” and Oxford House, have lodged complaints. Some balconies at the St Margaret’s complex are directly across from the pub.
Hotel owner Gerry Nass is transforming the once famous gay and lesbian after-party venue, accentuating its original Art Deco features.
In recent weeks, most of the hoardings have come down from around the Bourke Street watering hole as the much-anticipated pub nears completion.
The City of Sydney and Mr Nass will meet in September for a onsite hearing.
Mr Nass will appeal a council decision that saw the hotel’s original 3am closing time pushed back to 1am.
A council spokesperson said the city refused the development application for extended trading hours because it did not comply with council’s planning policies and because of its impact on residents.
Plans to allow the balconies on the first and second floor for dining until midnight would impact on residents through noise, according to council, and has also been refused.
The Bourke Street pub closed six years ago after the Star Alliance group folded.