Orient Hotel (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.
| Orient Hotel | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Former names | Blondies |
| Alternative names | Bar Orient |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Federation Academic Classical |
| Location | Corner High and Henry streets |
| Address | 39 High Street, Fremantle |
| Town or city | Fremantle |
| Coordinates | 32°3′19.47″S 115°44′38.45″E |
| Construction started | 1902 |
| Completed | 1903 |
| Opened | 15 December 1902[1] |
| Renovated | 1971, 1976, 1982, 1995 |
| Cost | £8,000 |
| Renovation cost | $100,000(1971), $150,000(1982), $900,000(1995)[2] |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 3 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Michael Cavanagh[3] |
| Main contractor | Atkin and Law[3] |
| Renovating team | |
| Architect(s) | LW Buckridge and Assoc. (1971) |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Designated | 2 September 1997 |
| Part of | West End, Fremantle (25225) |
| Reference no. | 914 |
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]
References
Information from the City of Fremantle Interpretation Plaques and Panels Research Project was used as the basis of this article. This project was completed in May 2002 by historian Kristy Bizzaca, and is available by visiting the City of Fremantle's History Centre.
- "HOTEL ORIENT FREMANTLE". The West Australian. Perth. 16 December 1902. p. 6. Retrieved 24 December 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
- Heritage Council. "Assessment Document". Orient Hotel. Heritage Council of Western Australia. Retrieved 23 December 2012.
- "NEW HOTEL FOR FREMANTLE". The Daily News. Perth. 4 March 1902. p. 3. Retrieved 24 December 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
- Heritage Council. "Permanent Entry". Register of Heritage places. Heritage Council of Western Australia. Retrieved 2 December 2012.
- "Sir Frank Ernest Gibson". Australian Dictionary of Biography. Australian National University. 2005. Retrieved 8 October 2011.
External links
Media related to Orient Hotel, Fremantle at Wikimedia Commons