The iconic 112-year-old Imperial Hotel in Eumundi has unveiled its recently renovated spaces, with an all-new strikingly elegant front bar, gaming room and TAB, now open to the public. The new mega HD LED screen will be the best place to catch all the action in Eumundi, with live coverage of major sporting events on Fox Sports.
This is just the beginning, the opening of these three sections signifies the completion of the first phase of the hotel’s comprehensive renovation in collaboration with KP Architects and interior design studio, CTRL Space. Stage two of the renovation is set to begin almost immediately, featuring the construction of the Sunshine Coast’s largest kids’ games room, along with a new restaurant, beer garden, bar and band room.
The Imperial Hotel is a well-known fixture of the Sunshine Coast, across from the iconic Eumundi Markets. First established in 1911, the hotel has experienced many transformations over the years, including a complete rebuild after burning down in 1926.
The long-standing and cherished community landmark was acquired by the Comiskey Group in late 2023.
Awarded “Australia’s Best Hotel Group Operator” in 2023, the family-owned Comiskey Group boasts an impressive track record in constructing and managing hospitality establishments. They are notably associated with well-known entertainment venues, Eatons Hill Hotel and Sandstone Point Hotel, as well as Sunshine Coast venue, The Doonan and popular BIG4 holiday park, Sandstone Point Holiday Resort.
The Imperial Hotel’s initial opening showcases the Comiskey Group’s design direction, blending traditional pub aesthetics with a unique twist. Comiskey Group Director, Rob Comiskey, is excited to celebrate the hotels rich history throughout the renovation.
“From the very start, the brief remained the same; we wanted to celebrate the history of the pub. The Imperial Hotel is over 100 years old, and that is, and always will be, the most unique part about it! It has changed owners throughout the years and has been reimagined numerous times. But one thing has remained the same – it’s been a local favourite watering hole. As the new custodians of this incredible property, we want to keep it that way. We have put a lot of effort into the renovation and have plenty more to go! We are very much looking forward to seeing the community enjoy the space” says Director, Rob Comiskey
In collaboration with KP Architects and interior design studio, CTRL Space, the Comiskey Group have elevated the styling of the space and commemorated the hotels storied past.
Home to Eumundi Brewery, visitors can now enjoy a locally made beer at the newly designed front bar, featuring pressed metal ceilings, heritage tiles, brass details, antique mirrors and wood panelling on the walls – adding a cosy, old English ambiance to the space. Take a walk through the past, the walls are now decorated in historical photos of Eumundi town and the hotel.
The hotel’s new front bar spills onto Eumundi’s main street, its vintage wooden windows flood the space with natural light, warmly inviting the community in as they walk past.
The Imperial Hotel’s gaming room was previously a small area with only a few machines. Now, it has been relocated and expanded to more than three times its original size, creating a spacious and elegant gaming area. The new ceiling, decorated with pressed metal, reflects light and adds vibrancy to the room.
Striking brass-finished sputnik chandeliers hang above, beautifully contrasting with the tartan carpet that honors the hotel’s heritage.
On Saturday 21st September, the Comiskey family welcomed friends, staff, business associates, and the community to celebrate the opening of the new front bar, gaming room, and TAB at The Imperial Hotel. The event marked a new era with a ceremonial wooden keg tapping and an array of delicious food and drinks.
Director David Comiskey undertook the tapping of the ceremonial wooden keg at the opening party. As a Sunshine Coast resident himself, David is especially honoured to have been able to acquire his local pub – and an iconic one at that! As a hands-on Director with a background in architecture, David oversees the construction of each property and works closely with the groups dedicated construction team.
“Our construction team gave it their all; they’re the best in the business and we appreciate all their efforts. We briefly put our tools down to enjoy a Eumundi Lager in the new front bar together, but we’re now back to work on the rest of the hotel! We have more than double the work ahead of us and we estimate another 6 months to complete the extensive renovation. It’s a challenge but we are excited to take it on! There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the results of our hard work; and after such positive feedback from the community regarding stage one, we are more motivated than ever to give it our all” says Director David Comiskey.
“We are excited to invite you to preview the new Imperial Hotel! What we’ve showcased so far is just a glimpse of what you can expect throughout the entire project. Next, we will be renovating the hotel’s beer garden and restaurant, and transforming the space formerly known as The Bunker into the largest kids’ games room on the Sunshine Coast! The Imperial Hotel will soon be an exciting place for local families to visit, and a destination tourists are willing to travel for” says Director Rob Comiskey.
The Comiskey Group estimate that March 2025 will see The Imperial Hotel’s renovation complete.
