Merivale to the rescue as the Alex is saved

BY JORDAN FERMANIS

Last week’s announcement that the Alexandria Hotel had been bought by Merivale has secured the future of the pub.

A year and a half ago it could have been a very different story, with the Centennial Property Group purchasing the pub with hopes to develop the site into an apartment block.

The Merivale buyout came after a Land and Environment conciliation was called off when Sydney Trains blocked the bid as it was building over railway lines underground. The stalled proceedings opened the floor for Merivale to step in and buy the pub for what the AFR reported was $10m.  Mr Noblet said that overall reaction for the Save the Alex group has been positive.

“We are really happy. All the local residents are really quite pleased. A couple of weeks ago it seemed like an impossible outcome, we are just happy that somebody bought it.”

The news has also attracted praise from the Lord Mayor who said that the Merivale purchase is a big win for the community.

“When plans to destroy The Alex were first put on public exhibition, there was a real groundswell of support for its conservation. This is a huge win for the community, and for City staff who were in court fighting for the 80-year-old building to be heritage-listed,” the Lord Mayor said.

Mr Noblet said that there had been some elements of the community that have expressed concern over Merivale moving into the area but that he was sure Justin Hemmes has the right intentions for the pub.

“I’ve spoken to Justin and read what he’s said in the paper, he’s not silly. He knows his market, he seems very genuine about retaining it as a regular pub and keeping the backyard family focused and casual.”

A testament to Merivale’s commitment to the community is Mr Hemmes unusual decision to open the renovation of the pub up to local creatives, asking them to submit ideas for art and structures for the new Alex.

“I’ve never seen him or anyone else buy a pub and actually solicit public contributions, that’s pretty rare, hopefully he’s not paying lip service to what people want to hear but it seems pretty genuine,” Mr Noblet said.