Vents MagaZine Music and Entertainment Magazine
Related Articles
Andrew Lazarus offers significant contributions to the high-end real estate industry in Australia. His work in Sydney and Newcastle comes with huge renovations on major properties loved by the locals and visitors alike. His dedication to the area also includes philanthropist work with charity events that often take place in his hotel properties.
His purchases are not a new venture. Andrew Lazarus has been part of the real estate industry in the Sydney area for nearly three decades. His work has included restoring historic hotels and pubs along the coast. As a hotelier, he manages the properties he purchases and renovates.
He says he always wanted to be able to help people find places they could relax and enjoy. His work in the hospitality industry has included some of the most iconic buildings in the Sydney and Newcastle areas. Sweeping beach views, bistro terraces and live music are examples of things he looks for in many of his properties before purchasing. In addition, he often tries to find properties that need renovation to meet their full potential.
Building Up the Community With Real Estate Restoration
“I realized early on that I enjoy projects that bring old things back to life,” he explains. “I see so much potential in so many businesses, but they can’t be their best if they can’t adapt with the times. Renovations often breathe life back into those projects and allow them to become beacons in the community once more.”
He says it can be challenging to know what changes are ideal at times. According to Andrew Lazarus, what might seem like an obvious business improvement can sometimes go against the wishes of patrons or staff. “There have been times where we didn’t make the right call, and we are working to improve with every project,” he notes. “We want to improve businesses in ways people truly love—a renovation is wasted if the outcome isn’t popular with the community. We’ve been really proud of our work on projects like Shoal Bay Country Club. We took a lot of time there to assess what the business was already doing and what our target audience really wanted out of that space.”
Many of his projects are local landmarks and popular spots within the community. For example, the Macquarie Hotel in Liverpool was valued at $25 million when he bought it amidst renovations. Shoal Bay Country Club was another business that he purchased for an estimated $18 million and then renovated for $6 million to shift the club’s direction towards a high-end, family-friendly atmosphere.
Looking North: Investing in Newcastle and the Central Coast
Andrew Lazarus says his sight has shifted north to the Newcastle and Central Coast areas. “The market in Sydney is just very expensive and very competitive,” he says. “And now that we have the three hotels in relative vicinity up here in Newcastle and the Central Coast, this is a region I’m more focused on.”
He is also currently working on his plans for The Beaches Hotel in Newcastle. He believes the property holds an exceptional value to the community and wants to make modest and respectful changes to the space. While COVID slowed down the plans for the property’s upgrades, the ease back into a more normal business flow has made it possible to revisit the renovation plans.
His career has formed around his desire to help people enjoy their downtime and get away from the bustle of everyday life. He has owned many pubs, clubs and hotels during his 30 years in the business. Each one has held its own set of challenges, and Lazarus has learned to roll with the punches.
He says along with additional large real estate purchases and renovations, he intends to pursue his philanthropic efforts. Giving back to the community through his hotels is one way Lazarus wants to make a name for himself. He has always been one to give back through charity donation, but he now is able to spend more time participating. As he edges towards retirement age, he’s had more time to do hands-on work with charities.
