One of Melbourne’s oldest pubs is getting a makeover – from top to bottom, inside and out.
About $4.5million has been invested in what’s believed to be the third or fourth oldest pub in Melbourne, the Braybrook Hotel.
Opened in 1854, the heritage-listed hotel became a drop-off spot for prospectors on their way to the central Victorian goldfields, where the rush had started three years previously.
Recently, some buildings have been the focus of massive renovations – old red brick buildings that were once used as a liquor barn, then a warehouse, have been converted into a conference and function centre and a new international buffet restaurant capable of seating more than 300 people.
Pub director Adam Sebastiano said stage two of the project – developing a sports bar and incorporating the old bluestone building – had proved to be challenging but was on track for an April 1 deadline. A relaunch of the entire complex is scheduled for April 17.
In consultation with Maribyrnong council’s heritage team, restorers will now lift the roof of the old pub and replace it with new slate, bringing it back to the look that has defined it for more than 150 years.
“From what we can gather the bluestone building was built in 1876,” Mr Sebastiano said. “Our aim was to alter the look of the hotel from Ballarat road. We believe we will achieve this by restoring the bluestone building and façade, as well as adding a modern piece of architecture to the adjoining buildings.”
All were officially opened in January with a sports bar, incorporating the old bluestone pub, to be finished by April 1 and the entire complex to be relaunched on April 17.
