Justin Hemmes has stepped in to save another pub, a Swans favourite haunt, The Alexandria

JUSTIN Hemmes has revealed he stepped in to save inner-city pub The Alexandria Hotel - the unofficial Swans fans’ pub - after reading about its plight on Facebook.

Hotelier Justin Hemmes has saved The Alexandria.

JUSTIN Hemmes has stepped in to save another struggling inner-city pub, and Swans fans’ favourite haunt, The Alexandria Hotel.

Live music, food trucks, art and family-friendly courtyard are on the agenda for its new owner who bought the pub without even stepping inside.

“There was just this small window of opportunity to grab it and I actually made the offer site unseen,” Hemmes said.

The Alexandria Hotel in Redfern today. Picture: Gregg Porteous

“I was told about it and shown a picture of it and thought it was beautiful, then I read a story about it and saw the Save The Alex facebook page and saw how loyal the community was to this space and how much it meant to them, and all the Sydney Swans images (of it) as it’s the unofficial home of the Sydney Swans for away games.

“I thought this is such a beautiful place and it can’t be redeveloped. There are so few left that we really need to save those things.

“It was really a spur of the moment exciting that happened in a couple of days.”

A historical picture of The Alexandria Hotel.

Hemmes pub latest purchases include The Newport Hotel, Newport, and Queen Victoria Hotel in Enmore both of which underwent massive refits but his vision for “The Alex” includes preserving the iconic 1930s front bar, transforming the rear courtyard and getting the locals involved.

“It’s not a big project. I just bought it to give back to the community,” he says. “I know it sounds cliched but that is what is my intention. It’s not going to be a big redevelopment. I just want to reinstate the pub that was there before and reactivate the courtyard area, bring some more life to it and keep the tradition that was there, improve the food and bring in some art to it.”

Swans fans are frequent visitors to the Alexandria Hotel.

The Centennial Property Group had lodged plans to replace The Alex with a four-storey residential tower with 28 apartments, plus retail space on the ground floor before Hemmes stepped in.

But Merivale has called on locals to contribute their ideas for the design and feel of the courtyard.

“We want to bring them in and make them part of a committee that brings it back to life,” he said. “This hotel has and will always be Alexandria’s pub so I want the community to help create the next stage in its vibrant life. Whether you’re an artist or architect, a sculptor or builder, if you’re passionate about design and creating amazing spaces, we want to hear from you.

“I want to employ them and have them do the works, to be the creative ones and really it becomes their project.”

Harry McAsey, former Swan and licensee of Alexandria Hotel, after the pub received a stay of execution from developers in 2015.

Hemmes said he had received dozens of personal messages of support.

“It’s amazing how many people this pub has touched,” he said.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore welcomed the move.

“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,” she 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 reopen this fantastic building and involve our residents and creatives in shaping its future use.

Those who wish to get involved are invited to register their interest at ouralex.com.au