The Grounds South Eveleigh: Ramzey Choker talks of uncertain future
Fresh plans have given a preview of what the much anticipated inner west sister venue of The Grounds of Alexandria will look like. However, the man behind the project has spoken of ‘uncertain’ and ‘difficult’ times.
Inner West
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The man behind the celebrated Grounds of Alexandria is forging ahead with plans for a sister inner west mega-venue despite stating he is “going through a difficult time” and that “all things are uncertain”.
Earlier this year liquidators recommended ASIC investigate Ramzey Choker and his former business partner in relation to four companies previously used to run parts of The Grounds business empire.
The companies were liquidated in December 2018 owing $1.6 million in unpaid tax.
Mr Choker ceased being a director of the companies in March 2018 and has insisted through his lawyer that he has complied with all of his legal obligations, and had a falling out with the other business partner.
Until the COVID-19 outbreak The Grounds of Alexandria remained as popular as ever and he now appears to be forging ahead with his $4.3 million plans for a sister venue at South Eveleigh.
In recent weeks fresh artist’s impressions have been posted online for public consultation.
The Locomotive St site, to be known as The Grounds of South Eveleigh, will boast a licensed restaurant, function centre, coffee roasting facility and barista training school.
When asked on Wednesday to comment on the plans and whether he was concerned by the ASIC probe, Mr Choker was not forthcoming.
But a company spokeswoman did add: “Ramzey does not wish to go into too much regarding this matter. What he did say was, we are going through a difficult time right now and all things are uncertain.”
The proposed South Eveleigh site is set to have all the trappings and more of its sister venue in Alexandria.
Highlights will include a roaster and silos, coffee brew bar and an event space able to host 540 guests.
Visitors will be able to witness the journey of their cup of joe right from the roasting of the beans to the moment it is poured.
Planning documents state the $4.3m development will be built in the old train sheds at South Eveleigh. It is planned to operate seven days a week from 7am to midnight.
Mr Choker, who also owns the 1920s inspired Grounds of the City, used another of his companies to splash $5 million on property in Sydney last year.
Development application documents prepared by Robinson Urban Planning on behalf of Mr Choker sing the praises of the restaurateur whose imagination has brought whimsical themed events including a take on Disney’s Frozen to life.
“The operators are experienced and highly regarded and currently own and operate a number of venues throughout Sydney,” the planning papers state.
“They have a reputation for fine food and quality service and an unblemished history with Council and OLGR (Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing).”
The Grounds of South Eveleigh was among the first tenants to sign on the $1.5 billion South Eveleigh development.
The new Grounds site was slated to open late this year with the South Eveleigh development as a whole to be completed in 2021.