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Historic Vic Park hotel site in Townsville needs another publican

The sites of the former historic Victoria Park Hotel and adjoining deli in South Townsville are back on the market for sale with its owners saying it’s time for someone else to have a go.

The owners of the Victoria Park hotel site Frank and Robyn Sexton with Knight Frank agents Paul Dury and Mark Fitzgerald. The hotel is up for sale. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.
The owners of the Victoria Park hotel site Frank and Robyn Sexton with Knight Frank agents Paul Dury and Mark Fitzgerald. The hotel is up for sale. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

The sites of the former historic Victoria Park Hotel and adjoining deli in South Townsville are back on the market for sale with its owners saying it’s time for someone else to have a go.

Frank and Robyn Sexton have been popular publicans to the Vic Park for 23 years, suffering the tragic loss of the hotel to fire almost two years ago.

The fact that the hotel’s garden bar and a deli and bottle shop next door were untouched meant they were able to continue to trade.

But with Frank, now aged 80, suffering ill health, Robyn says it’s time someone else took charge who has a vision for the business and the site.

“We don’t have to sell but (Frank) can’t do what he used to do. That’s the only reason we are selling. It’s time for someone else to have a go,” Robyn said.

Victoria Park Hotel after fire tore through it. Photo: Nick Smith / Rizon Building
Victoria Park Hotel after fire tore through it. Photo: Nick Smith / Rizon Building

The hotel was on the market before the fire but this is the first time since the tragedy the Sextons are putting both the hotel site and the adjoining gourmet deli and bottle shop up for sale.

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Knight Frank Head of Agency, Townsville and Mackay, Paul Dury said they had started to market the sites nationally, preferably to sell in one line.

The stand-alone bottle shop and deli is on a 227 sqm holding at 262 Boundary St.

The hotel property at 264-268 Boundary St is a 2139 sqm future development site with two-street access and licensed to operate as a bar and beer garden.

The hotel licence also has five gaming machine authorities.

“Knight Frank has commenced a soft marketing campaign to a national data base and received strong inquiry from residential and commercial developers, along with hotel operators, looking to capitalise on the existing operation and authorities,” Mr Dury said.

“Even in these uncertain and disruptive times, Knight Frank are receiving a steady stream of requests for information on the property, as savvy purchasers are looking to take advantage of a less competitive market.”

Meanwhile, the Sextons are keeping the gourmet deli and bottle shop operating.

They are delivering gourmet food baskets to a loyal customer base.

“We are very fortunate that people are very loyal and buying from us,” Robyn said.

Originally published as Historic Vic Park hotel site in Townsville needs another publican

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/townsville/historic-vic-park-hotel-site-in-townsville-needs-another-publican/news-story/89c9bc31a6e1f7618a286d9715200be1