Historic Pinjarra pub to reopen in spring

The doors to Pinjarra’s 158-year-old Exchange Hotel will be thrown open this spring for the first time in 16 years in what the local shire hopes will prove a boon for tourism.

The refurbished pub will be operated by heritage hotel specialists Karl and Janine Bullers and will include multiple dining areas, function space and better interaction with the Murray River.

Farmers' markets and other shops have also been earmarked for the precinct.

The build complements a major refresh of Pinjarra’s heritage town centre, which will also include former premier Sir Duncan Ross McLarty’s Edenvale homestead being used as a hospitality venue.

The Edenvale precinct will hold Pinjarra’s Fairbridge folk music festival this year, which is expected to draw about 25,000 people.

Shire of Murray president David Bolt said there was excitement in town about the pub’s reopening.

“It has been a joy to witness new life being breathed into the Exchange Hotel since construction began last year,” he said.

“We know there is a great deal of excitement for the venue to open.

“It will have been a long-time coming and we thank the community for their continued patience as construction continues.”

While the pub was slated to open in late 2023, the age of the building and material delays had thrown the timeline out slightly, according to the Shire of Murray.

The hotel is forecast to inject $58 million into the town over five years, create 67 full-time jobs and attract more than 38,000 visitors per year.

Mr and Mrs Bullers, whose other work includes redevelopment of Fremantle’s Old Courthouse and National Hotel, will be responsible for the final fit-out once construction finishes.

Despite these challenges, the final base construction activities are under way and, once complete, the venue will be handed over to operators for their final fit-out.

“We are thrilled to be in the final stages of this redevelopment,” Mr Bullers said.

“Opening as the warmer weather arrives will give us a great opportunity to maximise the stunning grounds as part of our celebrations.

“We are looking forward to welcoming the Murray locals and visitors to enjoy the refreshed venue in the heart of Pinjarra.

The Exchange was closed in 2008 and acquired by the Shire of Murray in 2012 due to a lack of commercial interest.

Redevelopment of the site has been aided by a $2.3 million federal government grant.