Fresh plans for Pinjarra hotel

One of the oldest hotels in WA will be undergoing major refurbishment under new operators Karl and Janine Bullers.

Mr and Mrs Bullers, who were also behind the redevelopment of the Old Courthouse in Fremantle and The National Hotel, have been selected as operators of the Exchange Hotel. 

The pair purchased The National Hotel to save it from demolition after being destroyed by fire in 2009.

Built in 1866, the Pinjarra hotel is hoped to become a new heritage dining destination following a planned refurbishment set to start at the end of this year. 

The Shire of Murray president David Bolt said the care and energy the Bullers dedicated to resurrecting the venue inspired the council’s plans for the redevelopment of the Exchange Hotel.

“When we saw how Karl and Janine fought to preserve the history and heritage of The National Hotel whilst also making it modern and attractive to a contemporary audience, we knew they were the right people to shepherd the Exchange Hotel in the coming years,” he said.

Mr Bullers said the Exchange Hotel project presented an opportunity to create a thriving hospitality destination in Pinjarra.

“Our experience in repurposing unloved heritage buildings into modern hospitality venues means we’re confident the Exchange Hotel will be a huge draw card for visitors across the region,” he said.

The venue will offer riverside dining and evening entertainment in addition to event space to host weddings, private functions and farmers markets.

Shire president Bolt said the members of the community have stressed to the council the need to preserve the environment, history, heritage and rural character.

“It’s clear that Karl and Janine share those same values,” he said.

The Exchange Hotel is tipped to stimulate Pinjarra’s economic capacity by generating jobs, private and broad scale investments, visitor economy and strengthen its competitive advantage.

The total economic output is estimated to be $11.6 million per year and is estimated to draw 38,850 new visitors to the Murray region per year.

The Shire of Murray secured a federal government Building Better Regions grant of $2.3 million to contribute to the $6.5 million redevelopment estimated to open late 2023.