New Owners Of Iconic Espy Hotel Talk Live Music Plans: 'It's A Massive Responsibility'

The new owners of iconic Melbourne landmark, The Esplanade Hotel, have reaffirmed their commitment to rebuilding the venue as one of the country's best live music venues when it reopens in 2018. 

Pub group Sand Hill Road purchased the Espy just last month and have already announced that big changes are coming. 

As Real Estate reports, owners are aiming to re-open the St Kilda venue next October with three live music stages, including the Gershwin Room, where popular SBS show Rockwiz was filmed. 

"We've spoken to old band bookers, musicians, local residents, the RocKwiz team," Sand Hill co-founder, Andy Mullins, said.

"St Kilda and Melbourne have really missed The Espy. We’re excited to bring it back. It’s a massive responsibility."

Owners are reportedly aiming to reopen the Espy, which has been closed since May 2015, with five levels open to the public, including the previously hidden top floor which will be made into a cocktail bar.

Though a date has not been confirmed, renovations are set to kick off some time this year.