Orient Hotel (Fremantle)

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 / 32.0554083°S 115.7440139°E
Construction started 1902
Completed 1903
Opening 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 Michael Cavanagh[3]
Main contractor Atkin and Law[3]
Renovating team
Architect LW Buckridge and Assoc. (1971)

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]

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 Local History Collection.

  1. "HOTEL ORIENT FREMANTLE.". The West Australian (Perth: National Library of Australia). 16 December 1902. p. 6. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
  2. Heritage Council. "Assessment Document". Orient Hotel. Heritage Council of Western Australia. Retrieved 23 December 2012.
  3. 3.0 3.1 "NEW HOTEL FOR FREMANTLE.". The Daily News (Perth: National Library of Australia). 4 March 1902. p. 3. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
  4. Heritage Council. "Permanent Entry". Register of Heritage places. Heritage Council of Western Australia. Retrieved 2 December 2012.
  5. "Sir Frank Ernest Gibson". Australian Dictionary of Biography. Australian National University. 2005. Retrieved 8 October 2011.