Star Group applies for liquor, gaming licences in Thuringowa
Townsville’s central suburbs are set for a new pub if the plans of one of Queensland’s largest hotel groups are realised.
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Townsville’s central suburbs are set for a new pub if the plans of one of Queensland’s
largest independently owned hotel and liquor groups are realised.
Steven Shoobridge’s Star Group is behind what is called the Sunland Hotel.
If it proceeds, it will revive a long derelict retail complex in the centre of town.
Notices of liquor and gaming machine licences have been posted on the former Hooters restaurant building in Hervey Range Rd.
But the plans are understood to be much bigger and include Sunland Plaza.
The Star Group is believed to have signed a contract to buy the entire centre, including almost 3ha of prime commercial land, for just $5 million.
Tenants in the area, including Domino’s and Sandwich Express, say they have heard talk but do not know the details.
The operators of the nearby Rickshaw Chinese Restaurant say they will be happy to see it go ahead because it will bring more people to the area.
Managing director of Colliers property agency Peter Wheeler said it could revive a “big chunk” of real estate.
“For someone like Star Group to pick that up and be proposing to put in a hotel/tavern can only be of benefit to that whole area and in particular those tenants trading around the property,” Mr Wheeler said.
According to the licence applications, the Star Group’s Migaloo Qld Pty Ltd wants to trade the Sunland Hotel from 10am to 2am Monday to Sunday, while it wants gaming hours of 10am to 4am for 45 machines.
Submissions on the applications to the Office and Liquor and Gaming are open until November 22.
Star has been a big investor in Townsville, recently buying the Shamrock Hotel in Palmer Street for $1.5 million and opening retail liquor sites in North Ward, Belgian Gardens and Pimlico.
It already owns the West End Hotel and other hotel and convention centre assets in Palmer St.
The closure of an IGA supermarket signalled the end for Sunland in 2014, while US-style “breastaurant” Hooters opened in 2015 but closed after a year of trading, citing a lack of support from the public.
Star Group was approached for comment.
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Originally published as Star Group applies for liquor, gaming licences in Thuringowa
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