The Ongoing Adventures of John Kelly

He restored the State Cinema built in191 and then expanded the complex into the ‘Soundy Building’ (built in 1878).  He then set about bringing the Crescent Hotel in Burnett  Street.  His next foray was a tilt at becoming Lord Mayor of Hobart – one which he went so close to winning and in the process, he gained  a seat on the Hobart City Council.  What next?

As reported in the Mercury (January 15) by journalist Sue Bailey, John (SVC1969-77) recently outlaid $4.6 million for the Hope and Anchor Hotel in Macquarie Street. 

"The Hope & Anchor is the undisputed oldest pub in Australia and is my next and possibly last heritage rescue project," Kelly said.