Future Of Melbourne Venue The Great Britain Hotel In Doubt

The future of live music at the longstanding Melbourne music and drinking institution The Great Britain Hotel is now uncertain following the news that the current publicans will not be renewing their lease.

Chris and Penny Hodges have held the Richmond pub's lease for 18 years, but after talks to renew it fell through they have confirmed that their tenure will finish 30 June this year.

During its history the pub has enjoyed strong ties with Melbourne's working bands and has, at times, enjoyed being a central pillar to the city's music scene. Artists like The Weekend People, Blueline Medic's Donnie Dureau and Anthony Young were among the artists who played there towards the end of last year.

In a statement Chris Hodges indicated that the new owners are planning to redevelop the venue, but were unsure of exact timelines.

“While it appears that the new owners are some way from commencing their redevelopment we are unsure what the immediate future holds for the pub once we have moved on,” he wrote. “Once again though, our thanks and gratitude go to everyone who has helped us make the GB one of this city's classic old pubs.”

A call to the venue this morning by theMusic.com.au was not answered.

“We offer our sincere thanks to all the customers and staff who have given us their unqualified love and support over the years,” Hodges wrote, “and who have helped us create a social environment which reverberates far beyond the walls of our cosy old boozer.”

The Melbourne industry is currently enjoying a period of cautious optimism after the state government's pledges to help reduce red tape and discriminating building regulations for venues. No specific decisions have been made, however.