Feature: An overhaul of the hinterland’s grand old lady has landed in the hands of The Comiskey Group.

Imperial Hotel Eumundi forms a long line of landmark pubs re-imagined by the group including The Doonan and Samford Hotel.

They are also responsible for multi-million-dollar music venues Sandstone Point and Eatons Hill which have seen Prince, Post Malone and Joan Jett.

Also adding to their their rapidly growing portfolio is the Aura Hotel at Caloundra and a proposed Coachella-style festival site at Beerwah.

Eumundi’s grand old lady

Established in 1911, the Imperial Hotel is a landmark and sits across from Australia’s largest open-air markets, the famous Eumundi Markets.

Group director Rob Comiskey says while the 113-year-old hotel’s facade will remain the same, the rest will see a “major renovation”.

He said two new restaurants will be added, a gaming room with TAB, and heated pool.

A classic but fresh look

“We want to keep the iconic Queenslander look it is famous for and bring back the traditional style, acknowledging the hotel’s history,” Rob says.

New furniture, landscaping, and menu will be added.

“Being able to own such an iconic hotel and brewery in such a special community was an unmissable opportunity.

“We just like the vibrancy of Eumundi and the markets. It’s got a great culture there.”

Touring musician incentive

The new-Imperial will be “cost-effective” for touring musicians such as guitar virtuoso Nathan Cavaleri (pictured).

The venue hosted Cavelari last month, and his Yelo review is our biggest trending story to date.

Rob says the group plans to bring more events to the area showcasing local and world-wide talent.

“We will be lowering the costs for bands to make their touring easier. We’re also upgrading the lighting and AV in the venue rooms.”

A brewing opportunity

David says Eumundi Brewery is a “local treasure”.

“Peregian was my local for 10 years.

“We can’t wait to begin this unique partnership with Lion, combining our differing industry expertise to further build our businesses, and support the growth of the brand on a national scale.”

Work on the $55 million pub starts late next year and should be finished in 12-18 months.

Nambour as a live music capital

Rob said he would consider a pub project in Nambour, saying he’d “take a drive through”.

Nambour has long been considered the Coast’s capital of music, with Council recently making a section of its CBD the “Special Entertainment Precinct” (SEP).

Its aim is to fill the inner-hub with restaurants, bars and live music venues, giving business owners a leg-up, and has less restrictions on noise.

The Presynct opened its doors on Saturday night with tickets to its grand opening selling out in days.

Coachella-style festival

Around 150-hectares of Beerwah land will be transformed into a large-scale “Coachella”-style festival with a 35,000 person capacity.

Willowbank’s Country Music Festival, which has seen international country stars Taylor Swift and Luke Combs, can hold 25,000 revellers, while Byron Bay’s Splendour in the Grass holds 35,000 people, and defunct Big Pineapple Festival at Woombye held 15,000.

An easy commute

David Comiskey says the Coast has a lifestyle that is “well worth the commute”.

“People can’t believe I drive to Brisbane every day for work but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said.

“The lifestyle on the Coast is unbeatable which is why we are excited to be expanding further into the region.

“Eumundi is a must-see Queensland tourism destination and we are proud to be able to be a part of its future in more ways than one.

“We want more people from Brisbane to come up as well.”

Transport concerns addressed

Celebrity music producer Ian “Dicko” Dickson told Yelo earlier this year transport was a major safety issue on the Coast.

Rob says Council is responsible to implement appropriate transport options for every new development.

“As the Coast grows, the transport system will too. But that is a part of every town (planning).”