Edward Street's 168-Year-Old Victory Hotel Has Reopened Under New Management Ahead of a Huge Revamp
Its heritage facade will remain, but expect an interior transformation under Athena Group, who expect to lodge a development application in 2024.
A mere three months in, 2023 has already been an eventful year for Brisbane's oldest-surviving CBD pub. Back in February, it was announced that The Victory Hotel was closing its doors, with ALH Hotels deciding not to renew its lease on the 168-year-old Edward Street venue. But now it's up, trading and pouring beers again — since mid-March, under new management and with big plans in its future.
Athena Group has inked a long-term lease on the site with owners Precision Group, and also revealed that it's giving the trusty spot a revamp. The Vic is heritage-listed thanks to its hefty history — it was first constructed in 1855, initially known as the Prince of Wales, and is a prime example of 19th-century corner hotels — and the facade will remain. But an interior makeover is in the works.
"We are committed to creating a landmark development that will serve as a cornerstone of Brisbane's revitalisation," said Athena Group Founder Michael Dixon. "Our partnership with Precision Group reflects our shared visions for innovation and excellence in property development, and we look forward to working collaboratively to achieve this goal."
"The Victory Hotel has played an important role in Brisbane's history, and we're excited to be partnering with Athena Group to reimagine its future," added Precision Group's Leasing Executive Rory O'Brien.
"Our focus is on creating a world-class destination that will attract visitors from across Australia and around the world, while preserving the heritage of the site for future generations."
The redevelopment's budget will hit the multimillions, and a development application is expected to be lodged in 2024 after design and planning work has been finalised in conjunction with the Brisbane City Council. Beyond that, however, no specifics in terms of cost or exactly what'll be done to the site have been unveiled.
The Vic is no stranger to facelifts, though. This'll be one of many in its lifetime, including during the 1880s, 1920s–30s — when the venue's name was changed to the moniker Brisbane knows today — and then the 1950s as well. The beer garden area scored a makeover in the 1980s, with an awning added in 1995 and more changes to the outdoor space in the 2000s.
Find The Victory Hotel at 127 Edward Street, Brisbane City, with a development application for the pub's revamp expected to be lodged in 2024.
