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A popular South Yarra nightclub that was recently the target of two firebombings and a drive-by shooting has been placed into external administration.
The owners of The Emerson Rooftop Bar and Club filed documents with the corporate regulator on August 13 and declared that insolvency firm Mackay Goodwin had been appointed to oversee the embattled venue on Commercial Road.
A spokesman for Emerson Holdings (Aus) Pty Ltd said the recent campaign of arson attacks, shootings and kidnappings involving licensed venues across Melbourne had taken a significant toll on the business.
“The impact has extended well beyond the immediate physical damage, resulting in substantial recovery costs, operational disruption and sustained financial pressure on the business,” a company spokesman said.
However, he insisted The Emerson would remain open and trade as normal.
“Voluntary administration provides an independent framework to preserve value, assess the options available to
the company and pursue the best possible outcome for creditors,” he said.
“The directors believe it offers the clearest path to address the impact of this exceptionally difficult period.”
The collapse of The Emerson last week follows the voluntary administration of six other venues in Prahran and South Yarra also owned by the Good Company Bar Group, including Circus Bar, Electric Ladyland, Holy Grail, La La Land and Somewhere Bar.
Despite owing unsecured creditors more than $4 million when administrators were appointed in December 2025, the six venues have continued to operate following a deed of company arrangement with creditors in February.
At the time, the owners blamed the debts on challenging trading conditions and rising security costs caused by a surge in crime.
However, the administrators pointed to poor strategic management and the use of cash to fund a web of related-party loans, according to a report from January.
The administrators also found companies linked to the venues were involved in the acquisition of several luxury assets, including a $520,000 party boat docked at a marina on Hamilton Island, two Mercedes-Benz wagons and a 2017 black Bentley coupe.
The future of The Emerson remains uncertain, after six turbulent months for the venue and its owners.
In February, the nightclub was forced to temporarily close after it was the target of a ram raid and arson attack.
CCTV footage obtained by this masthead captured three hooded figures driving a white utility vehicle through the venue’s entrance. They doused the area with fuel from jerry cans and set it alight.
The venue was again firebombed in April, when a loading dock at the rear of the premises was torched. Just days later, the club was sprayed with bullets while patrons were inside.
The owners responded to the violence by parking two shipping containers in front of the club, which have since been removed.
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Carla Jaeger is a journalist for The Age. Got a tip? Email carla.jaeger@theage.com.au or message carlajaeger.62 on Signal.Connect via X or email.From our partners
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