Toowoomba’s local music scene may be set for an encore with the sale of the iconic Met Hotel attracting interest from live entertainment specialists during the EOI campaign.
Entertainment specialists who are exploring ways to retrofit and increase capacity at the 150-year-old Ruthven Street address have been amongst more than 30 enquiries lodged during the EOI, which closes Wednesday March 2.
Selling agent Chris Stewart of LJ Hooker Commercial Toowoomba said the venue’s profile and prime position at the entry to the CBD had attracted interest from well-established pub groups.
Locals and visitors spilling out of the old Metropole Hotel during Toowoomba's Carnival of Flowers.
“Local operators and publicans throughout Queensland have made enquiries during the sales campaign as The Met has been a mainstay of Toowoomba’s hospitality scene since 1864,” he said.
“Punters would spill out onto the streets – and even on to the awning – at major events like the Carnival of Flowers. Everyone has their own story of the hotel, either as the Metropole, or in recent years as the Met.”
The Met sits on a 455sqm site at 348 Ruthven Street. The internal space covers 820sqm, with the ground floor hosting the bar, restaurant and music venue, while 18 rooms are located on the first floor in a mix of single, double and family layouts.
Under current owners, Kosta and Jasmine Theodosis, the Met has been reinvented as the Darling Downs’ premier music venue for local established and up-and-coming artists.
“Over the last three years, Kosta and Jasmine have poured a lot of energy and money into creating a true venue for lovers of regular live music in Toowoomba,” said Mr Stewart.
“It’s a turnkey proposition for an entertainment operator and we haven’t been surprised to see these sorts of owner-occupiers express interest alongside other pub specialists during the EOI.”
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