Future of St Kilda’s the Espy still up in the air
NEARLY a year after revellers were originally due to be welcomed back to the Espy, the future of the once popular beachside haunt remains uncertain.
The 138-year-old watering hole shut in May last year for extensive renovations with management at the time saying it would reopen by last summer.
But delays in permit approval and objections from irate neighbours worried about extra noise from the 145sq m rooftop terrace put plans on ice.
BELOVED HOTEL’S DOORS REMAIN CLOSED
Port Phillip Council finally gave the owners’ plans for the heritage-listed building the green light in December last year.
The building was locked up and no workers were on site when the Leader visited last week and attempts to contact management have gone unanswered.
COUNCIL APPROVES ESPY RENOVATIONS
The hotel’s website is also “undergoing maintenance”.
Pleas for information about the renovations on The Espy Facebook page have also been met with radio silence.
Locals have been clamouring to know when the beloved venue will reopen its doors: “I’ll ask AGAIN. When is the Espy opening up again?,” Heather Hughes wrote last month.
Marion Scheffe wrote: “WHAT IS THE LATEST ON THE ESPY???”
“Really missing the Espy — wish it would just open,” Dean Burgess wrote.
The Espy management did not respond to the Leader’s requests for comment.