Tah’s last drinks a homely gesture
THE closure of the Waratah Hotel to provide accommodation for the homeless is a “bittersweet” feeling for pub owner Brendan Self.
The State Government yesterday announced it had reached an agreement to buy the popular Murray St hotel, which will be transformed into a long-term housing complex offering 24 ensuite units.
The Waratah will remain open until later this year when its bottleshop and bar, which hosts regular live music events, will close to allow for the construction of the State Government initiative to ease the state’s growing homelessness crisis.
Mr Self said the business had been in discussion with a number of keen developers in recent weeks before agreeing to terms with Housing Tasmania.
“Hopefully it’s a win-win for everyone involved, but we of course feel for our patrons who have expressed disappointment in losing their watering hole,” he said.
“We’ve had so many good times at ‘ the Tah’ over the last few years, and that’s largely to do with the great staff and patrons we’ve had come through the doors.”
Mr Self, who also owns the Uni Bar at the University of Tasmania’s Sandy Bay campus, said the hotel’s closure was not to do with business performance.
“Much of what we do at the Waratah will be relocated to the Uni Bar,” he said. “We have a bigger capacity there and we’re focused on reviving that site as the premier music venue in Tasmania that it once was.
“We’re a little bit sad that in a few months time we’ll be pouring our last beer out of the Waratah taps, but on the other hand it’s good news we’ll be contributing to help people in need during the homelessness crisis.”
Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds welcomed the State Government’s property purchase to help those in need, saying that it was important for Hobart’s diversity to have a range of housing in the city.
Cr Reynolds also confirmed Housing Tasmania would not be exempt from paying council rates while occupying the Murray St site.
Tasmanian Small Business Council chief executive Robert Mallett cautioned whether it was best for Hobart’s economic growth to create more housing in the CBD.
“It’s sad to lose an iconic old-style pub which I think adds to Hobart’s overall heritage,” he said.
“I’m not sure if the centre of Hobart is the right place for more social housing. I understand that housing of this design should be located close to appropriate services, but I’m not sure if it adds to Hobart’s fabric and prosperity.
“All Greater Hobart councils should be working together at solutions to the homelessness issue.”