UPDATE: In a statement to Hospitality Magazine, Merivale has confirmed it is exploring potential options for the Ivy, but has not commenced any redevelopment of the site. Ivy will continue to operate business as usual for “years to come”.
“We can confirm that Merivale is currently exploring ideas for the long-term future of the Ivy precinct, with a number of options being considered including a new hotel, hospitality and lifestyle complex,” says a spokesperson.
“However, if the project proceeds, it is still many years away and discussions to date have only been preliminary. No final plans have been decided nor time-lines set, and there are certainly no immediate plans to commence redevelopment of the site.”
ORIGINAL STORY: Sydney club stalwart The Ivy is set to be bulldozed and replaced by a big-ass international hotel, landlord Justin Hemmes has confirmed.
Speaking with News Corp, the hospitality tycoon revealed plans to knock down the legendary party hub — pool bar and all — to construct a 55-storey skyscraper.
The plan is reportedly in its early drafting stages and may take years to complete.
“It is just a fantastic site. It’s got so much potential,” Hemmes says. “There are so many options available to us and it’s something I want to do properly so we’ll be taking our time.”
But it nonetheless means the iconic CBD venue — which plays host to RnB Fridays Club, Ministry Of Sound Superclub and more — has its days numbered, with Hemmes adding that he “always intended it to be a holding development site”.
“That was the reason I kept Ivy as a low-rise development… so it could be knocked down eventually,” he reveals.
Now where will we all go to look fancy while we get munted?
But seriously though, for more stories about developer-driven fuckery wiping out Sydney’s favourite venues one at a time, head to our FFS Sydney Feed.
