Orient Hotel (Fremantle) Explained

Orient Hotel
Former Names:Blondies
Alternate Names:Bar Orient
Architectural Style:Federation Academic Classical
Cost:£8,000
Ren Cost:$100,000(1971), $150,000(1982), $900,000(1995)[1]
Location:Corner High and Henry streets
Address:39 High Street, Fremantle
Location Town:Fremantle
Coordinates:-32.0554°N 115.744°W
Start Date:1902
Completion Date:1903
Opened Date:15 December 1902[2]
Renovation Date:1971, 1976, 1982, 1995
Floor Count:3
Architect:Michael Cavanagh[3]
Main Contractor:Atkin and Law
Ren Architect:LW Buckridge and Assoc. (1971)
Embedded:
Embed:yes
Designation1:State Register of Heritage Places
Designation1 Type:State Registered Place
Designation1 Date:2 September 1997
Designation1 Partof:West End, Fremantle

The Orient Hotel is on the corner of High and Henry Streets in Fremantle, and was designed by Michael Cavanagh.[4] Built by Atkin and Law in 1902/03, the building was owned by Thomas O'Beirne. Since it was built it has continued to be a hotel though it has had a number of proprietors including the Parry family from 1923 to 1971. Restoration works have been carried out on the building a number of times. Extensive works in 1995 included the replacement of the two story verandas.

Since 1849 the site had been the location of an inn known as "The Commercial", operated by Patrick Marmion. A subsequent refusal to renew the hotel license by the Fremantle Licensing Court saw that building demolished and replaced by the three storey building that now occupies the site.

During the 1950s and 1960s popular Fremantle politician Sir Frank Gibson and his wife resided in the Orient Hotel.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Heritage Council. Assessment Document. Orient Hotel. Heritage Council of Western Australia. 23 December 2012.
  2. News: HOTEL ORIENT FREMANTLE. . . Perth . 16 December 1902 . 24 December 2012 . 6 . National Library of Australia.
  3. News: NEW HOTEL FOR FREMANTLE. . . Perth . 4 March 1902 . 24 December 2012 . 3 . National Library of Australia.
  4. Web site: Heritage Council. Permanent Entry. Register of Heritage places. Heritage Council of Western Australia. 2 December 2012.
  5. Web site: Sir Frank Ernest Gibson. Australian National University. Australian Dictionary of Biography. 2005. 8 October 2011.