Massive fire at Melbourne s Albion Hotel

A Melbourne pub part-owned by Collingwood and ex-Melbourne Storm players is on fire.

Collingwood star Swan is reportedly “very disappointed” after the pub was destroyed just 11 days before it was set to reopen after a refurbishment.

A site manager may have been assaulted before a massive fire broke out at a Melbourne pub part-owned by Collingwood and ex-Melbourne Storm players.

Up to 70 firefighters attempted to curb the blaze, according to The Herald Sunday. As ABC News reports, a construction worker was allegedly assaulted by two men in balaclavas shortly before a fire ripped through the Albion bar on York Street. Police are now trawling through CCTV footage from neighbouring businesses for clues to who the two men were, and how they got away. The Metropolitan Fire Board says surrounding buildings are being evacuated.

A fire brigade spokesman said all three levels of the building were “fully involved” in the fire. Most of the damage has been contained to the pub but a building next door has also been damaged.

Police have spoken to the pub’s part owners but are yet to speak to the principal owner, Matt Darcy, the brother of former Western Bulldogs player Luke Darcy.

The newly renovated pub is the site of the former Motel nightclub and was due to open on October 16.

Ben Vague, another investor, wrote on Facebook this morning: “Don’t think you could wake up to more shattering news!”

‘We regrettably announce the delay of the Albion opening due to an unforeseen incident causing extensive damage to our building, ‘ read the statement.