Warrane designs help facilitate $18.5 million sale of the Imperial Hotel, Singleton

Warrane designs help facilitate $18.5 million sale of the Imperial Hotel, Singleton

The Imperial Hotel recently changed hands when it was bought in April 2022 by a private investor for $18.5 million, merely three years after it was purchased by the Murphy brothers for $3.3 million in 2019.

Located in Singleton, a growing residential population in the upper Hunter region of NSW and approximately 70 km from Newcastle, the region has been positioned to positively benefit from strong economic tailwinds as people look to relocate to more affordable regional living along with strong domestic tourism to the area.

The heritage hotel sits on an impressive 3,000sqm of land and holds a 3am liquor license generating an average weekly revenue of $105,000 via its public bar, bistro, 14 first floor accommodation rooms and 23 gaming machines.

In 2019, the Murphy brothers acquired the hotel and immediately engaged Warrane to redesign this heritage country gem. Nick Murphy said, “We acquired this Hotel as we saw a huge opportunity in the area with the resurgence of the mining industry. Coupled with a strong focus on sustainability, more people with defined incomes were moving into the region. The “Impy” was in desperate need of a makeover to tap into these growing economic tailwinds and Warrane delivered on the designs and helped us achieve all the necessary council and heritage approvals.”

Warrane specialise in designing hotel masterplans to maximise a hotel’s footprint and profitability whilst keeping in line with original heritage features. Once engaged, Warrane considered many factors for the local patrons and set about creating an iconic Australian heritage pub. The hotel refurbishments included expanding the floor space ratio, creating an alfresco TAB gaming area and incorporating an all-weather beer garden, ensuring the hotel could operate at a high capacity due to the growing regional demands and deliver an experience for all patrons who visit.

At the time of purchase, the Hotel had 15 gaming machines and 12 accommodation rooms that were underutilised. Warrane completely re-designed the hotel with the Murphy’s gutting all rooms and refurbishing the hotel and accommodation.

Joe Stephen, Head of Development at Warrane said, “The Murphy brothers had an exciting vision to turn around the Imperial Hotel from a late night entertainment venue to an iconic Australian pub. We were excited to work with the Murphy’s and local council to deliver approved designs that will be a win for the community and a booming regional area. The refurbishments have rejuvenated the Hotel, allowing it to warmly welcome new patrons as well as retain the existing customers.”

Warrane were instrumental in re-designing the hotel and gaining CDC approval, expanding the existing footprint with a new gaming room, bistro and beer garden with alfresco dining, a new public bar and a new TAB. All these improvements will ensure patrons will have a true experience when visiting the Imperial Hotel.

Along with the Murphy Family, Warrane are thrilled with the results of the sale and excited for the approved refurbishments to begin, which will truly make the hotel a destination location.

About Warrane.

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Warrane is a blue sky business originating from Armidale and growing in Manly for the past 10 years. Warrane strives for long lasting relationships with our clients and suppliers.

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