General News
23 June, 2026
Final surge to keep doors open
A MAJOR community push to gain financial backing to buy Inglewood’s last hotel will start next week.
A MAJOR community push to gain financial backing to buy Inglewood’s last hotel will start next week.
A meeting on Tuesday night backed advancing a co-operative model for potential ownership of the hotel.
Organiser James Nevins said the target for backing needed to purchase the historic Empire State Hotel and carry out renovations and restoration was still to be met.
The meeting decided to launch extend the call for community involvement in the rescue deal amid fears the hotel could close.
Current owner Steve Weavell has had his business on the market for two years and has been told by doctors that he must retire.
“There has been some great pledges of support from around the district from people prepared to invest in the co-operative model of ownership,” Mr Nevins said.
“We’re going to make a final surge with the aim of gaining the level of financial backing needed.”
Tuesday’s meeting followed an earlier rallying call that saw more than 40 people attend a meeting. Backers of the rescue plan continue to research other successful community-owned hotels.
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