Daiseys Pub: 143-year-old Ringwood East venue to be demolished for retirement village
A Ringwood East pub with more than 140 years of history hasn’t served a beer in months and is set to be knocked down and replaced with a luxury $220 million retirement village. But there is a glimmer of hope for those who enjoy a cold one.
Outer East
Don't miss out on the headlines from Outer East. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The last drinks have been served at a 143-year-old pub in Melbourne’s outer east, which is set to be replaced with a luxury retirement village.
But a new watering hole for locals could be built not far from the doomed Castello’s Daiseys Hotel.
Ryman Healthcare plans to bulldoze the historic pub for its proposed $220 million retirement village in Ringwood East.
The New Zealand aged care provider bought the plum 2.2ha site on Mt Dandenong Rd next to Ringwood Lake park in May 2019.
The pub, built in 1877 and recognisable for its dome structures, has been abandoned for months and is surrounded by layers of fencing.
It has been removed from the Castello’s group website and is “permanently closed” according to its Google listing.
Ryman previously indicated it would need to remove all existing buildings on the 2.2ha site, which doesn’t have any heritage protection.
Spokesman Michael Cummings said the company felt it “wouldn’t be practical or safe” to retain the pub as part of its development.
“After carefully assessing the hotel building, it was clear that it was in a state of significant disrepair and it wouldn’t be practical or safe to retain it as part of the new retirement village,” he said.
Plans submitted to Maroondah Council show the hotel’s Thirsty Camel bottle shop and nearby Daiseys Garden Supplies will also be knocked down.
Ryman also plans to cut down and replant 104 trees at the site and on the edge of Ringwood Lake Park.
The village will reach six storeys and include 240 rooms and apartments, as well as assisted care facilities, basement carparking, a bowling green and open space areas.
Mr Cummings said workers were conducting “environmental investigation work” while the plans were on display for public consultation, which closes this Sunday, October 4.
He said Ryman planned to begin construction in late 2021 subject to the council’s approval.
Leader understands the pub’s owner, Joe Castello, could be planning to build a new venue not far from the Ringwood East site.
Mr Castello and the council have been contacted for comment.
MORE: POLICE CRACKDOWN ON RINGWOOD LAKE GATHERINGS
PLAN FOR CROYDON OUTDOOR DINING BOOM