Darlinghurst darling the Lord Dudley is selling-off bits – offering punters the chance to be a part-owner in a Sydney institution.
Veteran Sue Cameron, who secured her first hotel licence taking over in 1975, later buying the freehold, sold the Hotel mid-2022 to industry newcomer Adam MacFarlane, for $22.5 million.
Known as the ‘Lord Bob’, the original Shannon Hotel was built on the site in 1871, renamed in 1901 to the Lord Roberts by the Powell family in deference to the recently knighted British commander Field Marshal Frederick Sleigh Roberts.
Its relatively new keepers are now selling off part of the asset, offering everyday Aussies a chance to own a slice of Bob for as little as $5k.
“The Lord Roberts Hotel is inviting individuals from all walks of life to own a piece of this historic establishment and reap the benefits of co-ownership,” says the listing.
It is stipulated that the co-owners will own real property, and receive monthly rental income. Atop that, depending on how many $5k pieces are purchased, co-owners can also enjoy “a range of enticing benefits” said to include exclusive discounts on drinks, invitations to VIP events, and more.
“This unique opportunity provides a chance for individuals to become active participants in shaping the future of this iconic pub and fostering a sense of community ownership.”
The unusual partial sale is being orchestrated through property ownership platform Bricklet, which offers ‘fractional’ investing, allowing people to buy shares in commercial opportunities, dubbed ‘bricklets’, for a fraction of the cost of full ownership.
In exchange, Lord Bob will hopefully achieve investment capital – beyond any incidental social engagement – that will help it maintain its role in the precinct.