The Landmark: NT Health working with pub on ‘infrastructure’ issue that has forced temporary closure

A Top End pub has suddenly closed for repairs due to what a spokesman claims are infrastructure issues involving the building’s owner. The health department is also involved – but it says it didn’t order the shutdown.

The Landmark @ Gateway is closed for repairs until further notice. Picture: Tourism NT

A Palmerston pub owned by one of the Top End’s most prominent publican families has suddenly closed due to what a spokesman claims are infrastructure issues involving the building’s owner.

The Landmark at Gateway, located on the Stuart Highway at Yarrawonga, announced via social media on Wednesday afternoon that it was “currently closed for repairs until further notice”.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and truly appreciate your understanding,” the notice read.

“We look forward to welcoming you back soon.”

This masthead can confirm the involvement of NT Health in the matter, but both the department and the venue, which is owned by Colemans Hospitality Group, denied the temporary closure was forced upon management, contrary to rumours circulating online.

Brothers Tony Coleman, Michael Coleman and Justin Coleman, pictured in 2018 at the opening of The Landmark @ Gateway. Picture: Justin Kennedy

“The owners of Landmark contacted NT Health in relation to infrastructure issues at their premises,” a spokesman said.

“Landmark’s representatives informed NT Health that they voluntarily closed the venue as soon as the concerns were identified.

“Environmental Health officers from NT Health will continue to provide support and advice to the business as they rectify the infrastructure issues.

“The business has not been directed to close by NT Health.”

A Landmark spokesman said the venue was not subject to any regulatory order, such as a public health order (the kind which shut down Lake Bennett earlier in the year), and the decision to close had been taken by management.

“The issues that have been identified relate to Gateway Shopping Centre infrastructure and any other inquiries should be directed to them,” he claimed.

This masthead put that claim to Coombes Property Group, the Sydney-based property investment and management firm that owns Gateway.

A Coombes spokeswoman said her firm had contacted one of the Colemans directors who she claims denied that his company had in fact made a statement.

She declined to comment further.

The Landmark @ Gateway. Picture: The Landmark

The venue spokesman subsequently confirmed that the Landmark stood by its statement it had issued.

None of the parties would elaborate further on what the nature of the “infrastructure” issues were, nor why it involved NT Health.

It was not immediately clear how long the closure would be for, although this masthead understands it is expected to last for days, not weeks.

Originally published as The Landmark: NT Health working with pub on ‘infrastructure’ issue that has forced temporary closure