Move to reopen Claremont Hotel

Australian Venue Co is progressing on the $12 million refurbishment of the Claremont Hotel, preparing to reopen the tavern after more than two years of closure.

Plans to rebuild The Claremont Hotel were announced as far back as early 2018, with works costing up to $6 million expected to be done within 18 months.

Property owner Gretna Nominees, of which Barry Jones is a director, and architecture firm Fratelle were spearheading the project.

The original development application lodged to the Town of Claremont included removing the bottle shop to create a new northern courtyard and a modified application for a first floor outdoor garden was approved by the town council in April 2021.

Fratelle's announcement in August 2021 said the Claremont Hotel revamp was due for completion in 2022.

However, Melbourne-based Australian Venue Co announced this week that the reopening of the hotel was anticipated for the summer of 2023.

The proposed refurbishment of Claremont Hotel includes a bistro, bar and courtyard for indoor and outdoor dining, function spaces, a rooftop bar, and an outdoor garden area on the second level.

A sample menu has also been released in a public survey with items including a $180 seafood tower and Donnybrook marron.

The Claremont Hotel on the corner of Bay View Terrace and Gugeri Street was constructed in 1902 and had been known under different names, including McManus Hotel, Cagney's on the Terrace, the Continental and the Redrock.

The venue has been closed since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In April 2020, the business announced via social media that the team would focus on future plans for the property during the temporary closure of hospitality venues imposed by the state government.

"As a result of these chats, we have decided to bid farewell to The Claremont in its current format and will not be reopening as the trading restrictions lift," the post said.

"After a prolonged period of closure and rebuild, we will be back."

Australian Venue Co also recently reopened the Bassendean Hotel after a $7 million renovation.

The Victoria-based developer acquired seven venues from ARK Group earlier this year, being Durty Nelly’s, Market Grounds, The Generous Squire, The Bassendean Hotel, Scarborough Beach Bar, Galway Girl and The Peach Pit.