Emma Pritchard

For many years, Clarence Valley locals loved getting their clacka to the Jaca to enjoy a good feed and several coldies with their mates, but now, interested buyers are being encouraged to do the same.

While the iconic Jacaranda Hotel in Grafton’s CBD is not currently trading, it is on the market for the first time in over 50 years. Since the 1870’s, the two-story wooden structure in Pound Street which features two bars, a central kitchen, 11 rooms, a manager’s quarters, dining area and a beer garden has a proud history servicing the community and visitors to the region.

Listed as a substantial freehold by Dougherty Property, the Jacaranda Hotel sits on 2037m2 of land zoned B3 Commercial Core and R1 General Residential. The new owner will have the opportunity to continue operating the Jacaranda Hotel as an existing business or develop the property to suit their own interests.

Clarence Valley resident Les Hillside is hopeful whoever purchases the iconic building will reopen it to the public as a working hotel. “It’s been a big part of the town for ages,” he said. “Everyone knows it and almost every bloke I’ve met has had a beer or three there throughout the years. “A lot of people used to go there when John Stokes owned it several years ago, he managed it pretty well.

“It is worrying that it’s for sale because there is a risk it won’t reopen as a pub, depending on who buys it, but it’s not just a business or a building, it’s a part of Grafton and personally I’d to see it stay in the hands of locals for the locals.” Mr Hillside also confirmed he will not be putting forth an offer for the Jacaranda Hotel. “I think my missus would kill me if I did,” he admitted.