Pinjarra is another step closer to benefiting from the addition of a food and beverage facility at the Exchange Hotel site.
At a recent meeting, Council adopted the draft Exchange Hotel Local Planning Policy with modifications to incorporate several recommendations highlighted during the consultation process.
“The Exchange Hotel Local Planning Policy identifies planning and development outcomes for the redevelopment of the historically significant building,” Shire President Wally Barrett said.
The policy aims to provide certainty for prospective operators in the redevelopment of the facility for food and beverage use.
In addition, operators can establish function facilities and short stay accommodation.
The Shire finalised the acquisition of the Exchange Hotel site located at Lots 85-88 George Street, Pinjarra in May 2012 to achieve a usable public riverfront foreshore within the Pinjarra town centre.
Furthermore the acquisition provided an opportunity for the Exchange Hotel site to be redeveloped given that the building has been closed to trade since 2008.
“Investment in this key site has provided an opportunity to better integrate the river with the town centre,” Cr Barrett said.
“The acquisition has also stimulated uses for private investment in the town that have the potential to support the district economy.”
The Exchange Hotel includes the remnants of two Victorian Georgian-style buildings (c.1866) and is one of the oldest buildings in the Peel region.
The hotel has close association with the development and growth of Pinjarra.
“The Exchange Hotel has social value as a former centre of community life in Pinjarra,” Cr Barrett said.
“It is valued by the community and its development will enhance the cultural identity of the Shire.”
Over the next three months the Shire of Murray will finalise the appointment of a marketing consultant and commence actively seeking expressions of interest for the iconic hotel’s redevelopment.
