Mick Burns and Paul Palmer team up to revamp Palmerston Sports Club into tavern
TWO of the Territory’s most savvy hospitality industry businessmen want to re-open a defunct Palmerston club as a modern and attractive tavern. MORE DETAILS HERE
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- One of Palmerston’s largest social and sports clubs, the Hub, is closing its doors
- The Palmerston RSL have found a new home after the sudden closure of The Hub forced them out
TWO of the Territory’s most savvy hospitality industry businessmen want to re-open the Palmerston Sports Club as a tavern, creating more than 40 new jobs.
Hibiscus Tavern owner Paul Palmer and crocodile farmer and former publican Mick Burns have teamed up and are applying for a license for the now defunct club, which shut its doors two years ago after 20 years serving the Palmerston community.
The businessmen said the complex will be improved and modernised.
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They believe their good reputation and lengthy experience as publicans has them well placed to identify what Palmerston residents are looking for as an alternative.
Mr Palmer said they will not be applying for a takeaway liquor license.
“This means no bottle shop or takeaway of any kind,” he said. “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 police and council have been informed of the concept.
He said the businessmen decided to go ahead with the venture following discussions with the building’s landlords who approached them to gauge their interest.
The club has fully equipped bars and kitchens and if the application is successful the new tavern will have 20 modern gaming machines, which is 35 less than the venue previously had.
“This is an excellent opportunity to provide an alternative venue for Palmerston and Mick and I are keen to pursue that,” Mr Palmer said.
“Between us we have plenty of years and a good track record in the hotel business.”
Palmer’s successful Hibiscus Tavern at Leayner incorporates the award-winning Dolly’s Bar family restaurant and Burns has had a number of successful venues in the Darwin CBD.
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“We see this as a good long term investment and are keen to take the lease and hopefully have our license application approved,” Mr Palmer said.
Hospitality NT chief executive officer Alex Bruce welcomed news of Mr Palmer and Mr Burns plan.
“Revitalising that disused space in the heart of Palmerston makes sense,” he said.
“Coming off the news of the loss of Hogs steakhouse it is good to hear the increasing vibrancy of Palmerston’s food scene is set to continue.”
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