Pub where Magpies got their stripes up for sale

The Yarra Hotel, which served as the first change rooms for Collingwood Football Club, will be auctioned on Friday, June 22, with offers expected around the $2.5 million mark.

Collingwood players made use of the hotel at 295 Johnston Street, Abbotsford, in 1892 because the club didn’t have the time or adequate resources to complete the grandstand and players’ rooms before the first games were played.

The players got changed at the Yarra Hotel and ran up Rich Street to the ground.

The hotel, a stone’s throw from Collingwood’s home ground of Victoria Park, was built in 1855 and sits on a land area of around 800 square metres.

It features a public bar, restaurant and large beer garden.

The hotel is being sold by Colliers International director of metro investments Jeremy Gruzewski, on behalf of a former publican who ran the pub before leasing out the hotel operations about 10 years ago.

The sale will include both the freehold and leasehold of the pub, with vacant possession available in October.

Gruzewski says there is potential for development, given the large parcel of land and two street frontages.

He expects strong interest in the property.

“All pub opportunities tend to generate a good level of interest, however when you combine the history and location of this one, it all adds up to a pretty attractive opportunity,” he says.