Last "That's Amore" on 29 September

Historic changes at Mt Buller are underway this Spring with the redevelopment of the iconic Kooroora building in early October.

The highly anticipated project is going ahead following the strong pre-sale off the plan.  Stage 1 will include retail spaces, a new pub and car parking in ready for winter 2019, to be followed by prestige apartments on the upper levels for winter 2020.

Spokesperson for Kooroora Holdings Martin Ansell said, “This bold $40m development is generating plenty of excitement in the Mt Buller community and shows the confidence and optimism we are seeing on the mountain right now.  Our team is eager to get started and ensure Stage 1 is complete and ready to throw open the doors for opening weekend of the 2019 snow season.”

The Kooroora building is well-known as home of the legendary Kooroora Hotel, affectionately known as the “Hoo Ha”.  The pub famously plays the Dean Martin classic “That’s Amore” ahead of closing the doors each night and has been the site of many celebrations since it opened back in 1953.  The original Kooroora built by Ernest and Aurel Forras burned down in 1961 and the current building has stood in the village welcoming guests since 1962.

The current licensee for the Kooroora Hotel Joe Maisano is preparing a big celebration for the final day at the pub starting with a grand final breakfast, celebrations all day and a last “Last HooHa Hoorah!” on Saturday 29 September, after which it will close the doors for the final time.  “The Kooroora is quite simply where Mt Buller parties.  It’s the social heart of the village and there are decades of memories and stories inside these walls.  Saturday 29^th  September will be a special night.  I am sure people will talk about the final night at the ‘Hoo Ha’ for years to come and my team looks forward to sending this legendary venue off in style.  A few nostalgic tears might be shed when “That’s Amore” plays for the last time,” said Maisano.

Works on the demolition ahead of the Stage 1 development will commence immediately after the final night.  The developers plan to conserve some elements of the legendary pub and salvage a few special items that reflect the rich history of the venue.

For updates across the project visit www.kooroora.com.au