Controversy surrounds a $25.6 million deal to sell Australia's oldest Irish club to a skyscraper developer, with claims hundreds of people were prevented from voting over the proposal.

Members of the Celtic Club have voted overwhelmingly in favour of selling their premises at 320 Queen Street to Malaysian company Beulah International, which plans to build a 48-level apartment tower.

The building that hosts the Celtic Club is 140 years old. Credit:Vince Caligiuri

But debate over the deal has caused bitter ructions within the club.

Those opposing the sale claim that about 300 membership applications were deliberately stalled in the lead-up to the vote, while Celtic Club president Brian Shanahan said those opposing the deal were "mad".