Merivale Saves the Alexandria Hotel

Merivale has saved the Alexandria Hotel from being converted into a four-story residential block. Merivale has purchased the historic and iconic Sydney pub off developers and will transform the hotel back into its former state as a local hero.

The Alexandria Hotel, affectionately known as ‘The Alex’, is one of Sydney’s longest standing pubs - once the former site to the Alexandria Family Hotel in the 1870s - but was taken over by developers in 2015. Since then, local supporters have been campaigning to save the venue.

“Institutions like this must be preserved, they reflect our history and help shape our culture - especially when they mean as much to their local community as The Alex does. This outcome is a great reward for the passion and character of the community who fought so hard to save this property where a hotel has stood for almost 150 years,” Justin Hemmes, Merivale CEO said.

The development application was overturned by the City of Sydney Council, after it heard of the local campaign. Subsequently, the developers submitted a revised application to build an apartment block around the hotel building, but the Council decided to refuse the application again. The developers lodged an appeal in the Land & Environment Court, but Merivale’s purchase of The Alex ensures these redevelopment plans are now dropped and the future of one of Sydney’s most beloved pubs is saved.

Merivale’s vision for the hotel includes preserving the iconic 1930s front bar, while transforming the expansive courtyard into a vibrant space to eat, drink and socialise.

“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,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“Historic buildings like this one maintain links to Sydney’s past, and fill our streetscapes with unique character. I’m thrilled Mr Hemmes plans to restore and re-open this fantastic building and involve our residents and creatives in shaping its future use.”

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