Former Rebels, Ghosts player Mark Hooklyn buys Jacaranda Hotel
A former rugby league player who donned Rebels and Ghosts colours during his footy days is bringing a historic Grafton watering hole back to life.
Community News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Community News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Former Clarence Valley rugby league player Mark Hooklyn has snapped up Grafton pub the Jacaranda Hotel after its closure earlier this year.
The Pound Street venue was listed for sale for the first time in more than five decades when it hit the market it April.
Mr Hooklyn said he got in touch with the owners after hearing that his favourite pub closed down.
“I’d go there all the time for the social fishing club so when it clsosed down I made a few inquiries and discovered it was for sale,” he said.
“I told the owners I was interested, made an offer and here we are.”
Mr Hooklyn said the price he paid was around $1 million plus GST.
Although having never actually owned or run a pub before, Mr Hooklyn said he wasn’t afraid to learn something new.
“I’ve brought Damian (Blair) in to help with the day-to-day running and organisation side of things so that will make a big difference,” he said.
“Regardless, it’s a pretty good investment to be able to own a historic place like this.”
The two-storey wooden building in Grafton’s CBD was originally named the Willow Tree Hotel and first opened in 1876.
It became the Jacaranda Hotel in 1939.
The hotel also comprises two bars, a kitchen, dining room, beer garden, 11 rooms plus manager’s quarters.
Mr Hooklyn said he wanted to re-open the pub as soon as possible, pending any future Covid lockdowns.
“We originally wanted to be open by July but that didn’t quite happen,” he laughed.
“There are also plans to renovate but first thing’s first is to open and then improve as we go.”
From cells to care: Grafton Gaol’s transformation begins
From a place of confinement to a place of care: Grafton’s historic gaol is set to be reimagined with new developments taking it two steps forward to support the Clarence Valley’s growing health needs.
‘Life-changing’: How high school students can ‘earn and learn’
A growing focus on school-based apprenticeships is transforming pathways for students at a northern NSW public school, giving them a head start in careers ranging from beekeeping and aged care to real estate and decorating.