Leading Darwin businessmen get go head for tavern to replace old Palmerston Sports Club

About half a million dollars will be spent on a new tavern at the site of the former Palmerston Sports Club, after the liquor licence was granted.

Paul Palmer who runs the Hibiscus Tavern, He and Mick Burns have brought the Palmerston Sports Club which is also known as the Hub. and are going to reopen it as a tavern. Picture Katrina Bridgeford.

ABOUT half a million dollars will be spent on a new tavern after a liquor licence was granted for the consortium that has taken over the site of the former Palmerston Sports Club at The Hub.

Hibiscus Tavern owner Paul Palmer and crocodile farmer and fellow publican Mick Burns have teamed up and will now send workers in to refurbish the defunct club, which shut its doors two years ago after 20 years of business.

The new name for the venue is yet to be revealed.

Mr Palmer and Mr Burns, who only applied for a venue liquor licence rather than takeaway approval, said they were now looking forward to getting on with their plans to deliver a new family venue in coming months.

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“Now that we have the security of the licence it’s full steam ahead and the renovations will start almost immediately,” Mr Palmer said.

“The place has been closed for a couple of years so we have to do a bit of work in there.

“It will take a couple of months to get some equipment that we need such as a new beer system and so forth … we have the bars and fully equipped kitchens and the new tavern will have 20 modern gaming machines, which is 35 fewer than the venue previously had.

“This is an excellent opportunity to provide an alternative venue for Palmerston and Mick and I are keen to make that happen.”

Mr Palmer and Mr Burns say their lengthy experience as publicans has them well placed to identify what Palmerston residents are looking for as an alternative.

Paul Palmer and Mick Burns have brought the Palmerston Sports Club and are going to reopen it as a tavern. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford.

“People can expect the same good product that we provide at our current venues,” Mr Palmer said.

Mr Palmer’s successful Hibiscus Tavern at Leanyer incorporates the award-winning Dolly’s Bar family restaurant and he has charge of The Cav in the Darwin CBD.

“We aim to create a vibrant precinct that will provide entertainment for the Palmerston public and provide employment opportunities for local artists and performers,” Mr Palmer said.

“Our reputation is built on our quality food and quality product. There will be something for everyone to enjoy.”